Obesity hypoventilation syndrome
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Synopsis
In the United States, the prevalence of OHS is estimated at approximately 0.15%-0.3% and approximately 16% in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The prevalence of OHS increases with body mass index (BMI). An estimated 50% of patients with BMI >50 kg/m2 have OHS.
Primary symptoms include daytime fatigue and respiratory obstruction, which can be evident during sleep or while awake. In children, OHS can impair daytime attention and interfere with learning as well as contribute to metabolic dysfunction.
If left untreated, OHS can lead to pulmonary hypertension and congestive heart disease. Comorbidities associated with obesity (eg, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, hypertension) are common in patients with OHS.
Codes
ICD10CM:E66.2 – Morbid (severe) obesity with alveolar hypoventilation
SNOMEDCT:
190966007 – Extreme obesity with alveolar hypoventilation
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive respiratory disease
- Interstitial lung disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Iatrogenic – overuse of sedating medications (eg, opioids, benzodiazepines)
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Last Reviewed:03/28/2018
Last Updated:04/19/2018
Last Updated:04/19/2018
Obesity hypoventilation syndrome