Evaluation and Management of Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome in Ambulatory and Hospital Settings.

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is defined by a body mass index ≥30 kg/m2, sleep-disordered breathing, daytime partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide ≥45 mm Hg, and the exclusion of other disorders of chronic hypoventilation. Positive airway pressure therapy and weight loss have been shown to improve OHS outcomes and are the mainstay of management in patients with OHS. In this review article, we discuss management of ambulatory patients with OHS, as well as management during hospitalization.