Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome (Pickwickian Syndrome): A Literature Review

Authors

  • Alfin Ridha Ramadhan Department of Cardiovascular Medicine Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Depok
  • Betcy Betcy Division of Clinical Cardiology, Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, National Cardiovascular Center Harapan Kita, Jakarta
  • Ruth Grace Aurora Department of Cardiovascular Medicine Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Depok
  • Prasenohadi Prasenohadi Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Persahabatan General Hospital, Jakarta
  • Mohamad Fahmi Alatas Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Persahabatan General Hospital, Jakarta

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36497/respirsci.v5i1.155

Keywords:

HFpEF, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, Pickwickian syndrome

Abstract

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS), also known as Pickwickian syndrome, is a respiratory disorder characterized by reduced alveolar ventilation and elevated daytime carbon dioxide levels, primarily associated with obesity. If untreated, OHS can progress to pulmonary hypertension (PH) and ultimately heart failure. The exact prevalence of OHS in the general population remains unclear, but studies estimate it to range from 8% to 12.3%, increasing with obesity prevalence. This review discusses the diagnostic criteria for OHS, the utility of the STOP-Bang questionnaire in screening, and advances in understanding the pathophysiology and management of OHS, focusing on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Accurate diagnosis of OHS is critical and requires a thorough approach involving an extensive patient medical history and physical examination to differentiate OHS from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Key diagnostic tests include serum bicarbonate levels and arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis, to confirm the hypercapnia and identify the severity of hypoventilation. Given the rising prevalence of obesity worldwide and the serious complications associated with untreated OHS, early and accurate identification of OHS is essential, as it can prevent the progression to severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) and the subsequent development of heart failure (HF).

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Published

2024-11-29

How to Cite

Ridha Ramadhan, A., Betcy, B., Ruth Grace Aurora, Prasenohadi, P., & Mohamad Fahmi Alatas. (2024). Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome (Pickwickian Syndrome): A Literature Review. Respiratory Science, 5(1), 48-61. https://doi.org/10.36497/respirsci.v5i1.155

Issue

Section

Article Review