Targeting Hypercapnia in Chronic Lung Disease and Obesity Hypoventilation: Benefits and Challenges.

Hypoventilation is a complication that is not uncommon in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and calls for both medical treatment of the underlying disease and, frequently, noninvasive ventilation either during exacerbations requiring hospitalization or in a chronic state in the patient at home. Obesity hypoventilation syndrome by definition is associated with ventilatory failure and hypercapnia. It may or may not be accompanied by obstructive sleep apnea, which when detected becomes an additional target for positive airway pressure treatment. Intensive research has not completely resolved the best choice of treatment, and the simplest modality, continuous positive airway pressure, may still be entertained.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome, and Pulmonary Hypertension: A State-of-the-Art Review.

The pathophysiological interplay between sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) is complex and can involve a variety of mechanisms by which SDB can worsen PH. These mechanistic pathways include wide swings in intrathoracic pressure while breathing against an occluded upper airway, intermittent and/or sustained hypoxemia, acute and/or chronic hypercapnia, and obesity. In this review, we discuss how the downstream consequences of SDB can adversely impact PH, the challenges in accurately diagnosing and classifying PH in the severely obese, and review the limited literature assessing the effect of treating obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, and obesity hypoventilation syndrome on PH.

Sleep Disorders and Traffic Accidents: Unveiling the Hidden Risks.

BACKGROUND Numerous countries, Vietnam included, have persistently high annual rates of traffic accidents. Despite concerted government efforts to reduce the annual traffic accident rate, the toll of fatalities and consequential injuries from these accidents rises each year. Various factors contribute to these incidents, notably including alcohol consumption while driving, inadequate awareness of traffic regulations, and substandard traffic infrastructure. However, an under-recognized risk in developing nations such as Vietnam is the prevalence of sleep disorders. Conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and obesity hypoventilation syndrome, while prevalent, remain inadequately assessed and treated. These disorders represent significant yet largely unaddressed contributors to the heightened risk of traffic accidents. CASE REPORT We describe the case of a 55-year-old Vietnamese man hospitalized due to long-standing respiratory complications and profound daytime sleepiness. Over the past 2 years, the patient gained 10 kg. Consequently, he frequently experienced drowsiness, leading to 4 traffic accidents. Despite previous hospitalizations, this sleep disorder had gone undiagnosed and untreated. Diagnostic assessments confirmed concurrent obstructive sleep apnea and obesity hypoventilation syndrome through polysomnography and blood gas analyses. Treatment involving non-invasive positive airway pressure therapy notably alleviated symptoms and substantially improved his quality of life within a concise 3-month period. CONCLUSIONS Obstructive sleep apnea and obesity hypoventilation syndrome are contributory factors to excessive daytime somnolence, significantly increasing vulnerability to traffic accidents. Regrettably, this critical intersection remains inadequately addressed. Addressing these concerns comprehensively through dedicated research initiatives should be imperative before considering the universal issuance of driver's licenses to all road users in Vietnam.

A case of accidental self-enucleation caused by obstructive sleep apnea.

A novel form of injury associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) that was comorbid with obesity hypoventilation syndrome and severe daytime somnolence is reported in a 55-year-old woman, manifesting as severe ocular and extraocular muscle injuries sustained from suddenly falling asleep and colliding with a sharp object, resulting in surgical enucleation of the right eye and orbital implant. The literature on injuries (falls, motor vehicle accidents) related to OSA and excessive day time sleepiness is reviewed, along with the literature on injuries from OSA-related parasomnias. The diverse health hazards, including physical injury, associated with OSA-excessive daytime sleepiness, are emphasized, further encouraging the need to educate primary care providers on early detection of OSA with prompt treatment intervention. CITATION: Baker N, Schenck CH, Golden E, Varghese R. A case of accidental self-enucleation caused by obstructive sleep apnea. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(8):1395-1397.

Long-term myocardial effects of noninvasive ventilation in patients with obesity hypoventilation syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic effects of noninvasive ventilation on myocardial function in patients with obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) are scarcely understood. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term effects of volume-targeted bilevel positive airway pressure ventilation (BiPAP) on cardiac parameters and myocardial biomarkers in patients with OHS. METHODS: Clinically stable patients with OHS referred to the tertiary center for the initiation of long-term BiPAP therapy were consecutively enrolled. At baseline, all participants underwent overnight cardiorespiratory polygraphy. BiPAP therapy using volume-targeted spontaneous/timed mode delivered via an oro-nasal mask was initiated. Beat-to-beat noninvasive monitoring by impedance cardiography was used to assess heart function at baseline and after 3 and 12 months of BiPAP use. Serum troponin 1, N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-ProBNP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were monitored. RESULTS: Thirteen patients (10 men; mean age, 55.8 ± 9.8 years; mean body mass index of 47.8 ± 5.9 kg/m2) were recruited. From baseline to 3, and to 12 months of BiPAP use, left ventricular stroke volume (SV), ejection time (LVET), and ejection time index significantly increased (P = 0.030; P < 0.001; P = 0.003, respectively), while heart rate and systolic time ratio significantly decreased (P = 0.004; P = 0.034, respectively). Reductions in serum NT-proBNP, IL-6 and TNF-α were observed (P = 0.045; P = 0.018; P = 0.003, respectively). No significant changes in serum troponin were detected throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings of increased SV, in association with lengthening of LVET, reductions of NT-proBNP and reductions in circulatory inflammatory markers in patients with stable OHS and chronic moderate-to-severe daytime hypercapnia treated with BiPAP over 1 year support the role of this therapeutic mode in such patients.

Indications and evidence for domiciliary noninvasive ventilation.

INTRODUCTION: Home noninvasive ventilation (HNIV) has expanded globally, with a greater evidence base for its use. HNIV improves multiple patient related outcomes in patients with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure. Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is rapidly taking over as the primary indication for HNIV and COPD patients who overlap with obstructive sleep apnea hypoventilation syndromes (OSAHS) and are increasingly recognized but add to the complexity of HNIV prescribing. Optimal settings vary for differing diseases, with higher inspiratory pressures often required in those with OHS and COPD, yet which settings translate into greatest patient benefit remains unknown. AREAS COVERED: We cover the evidence base underpinning the common indications for HNIV in COPD, OHS, neuromuscular disease (NMD), and chest wall disease (CWD) and highlight common HNIV modes used. EXPERT OPINION: Active screening for nocturnal hypoventilation in OHS and COPD may be important to guide earlier ventilation. Further research on which HNIV modalities best improve patient related outcomes and the right time for initiation in different patient phenotypes is rapidly needed. Worldwide, clinical research trials should aim to bridge the gap by reporting on patient-related outcomes and cost effectiveness in real-world populations to best understand the true benefit of HNIV amongst heterogenous patient populations.

Síndrome de hipoventilação da obesidade e estratégia ventilatória mais eficaz: pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas ou ventilação mecânica não invasiva? / Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome and more effective ventilatory strategy: continuous positive airway pressure or non-invasive ventilation?

Considerando a Síndrome de Hipoventilação da Obesidade (SHO) como potencialmente tratável, encontra-se dificuldade em comparar ensaios clínicos devido às diferentes titulações da ventilação mecânica não invasiva (VNI) e da pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas (CPAP). Objetivou-se realizar uma revisão integrativa da literatura com utilização de pressão positiva como método terapêutico. Foram incluídos ensaios clínicos randomizados, utilizando CPAP comparado a VNI como tratamento. A busca ocorreu nas bases de dados PubMed e Web of Science, incluindo-se estudos publicados entre 2008 e 2017. Foram selecionados 4 artigos, dois estudos comparando CPAP e binível. Apresentaram semelhança na melhora entre os grupos. O terceiro estudo comparou com grupo controle, sendo ambas eficientes em relação ao GC com melhora na PaCO2, Bic, sintomas clínicos, parâmetros polissonográficos e efeitos secundários. O quarto estudo apresentou para Suporte de Pressão Assegurada de Volume Médio (AVAPS-AE), eficácia de CPAP e binível na redução de surtos noturnos de pressão arterial. Dessa forma observa-se similar eficácia entre ambas as estratégias, e ambas são mais eficazes quando comparadas a um grupo controle. (AU)

Asociación e interacciones de la apnea obstructiva del sueño (AOS) y del síndrome de hipoventilación obesidad (SHO) / Metabolic associations of the obstructive sleep apnea (AOS) and hypoventilation obesity syndrome

La apnea obstructiva del sueño (AOS) y el síndrome hipoventilación-obesidad (SHO) son patologías que se encuentran estrechamente asociadas a la obesidad como principal factor de riesgo, hasta un 70% de los pacientes con AOS son obesos. Ambas patologías comparten procesos fisiopatológicos comunes, donde destaca la inflamación sistémica, lo que, sumado a la hipoxia crónica intermitente y la fragmentación del sueño característicos de la AOS, aumenta considerablemente el riesgo de presentar comorbilidades metabólicas como síndrome metabólico, alteraciones en el metabolismo de la glucosa (resistencia a la insulina y diabetes mellitus tipo 2), y hígado graso metabólico. En esta revisión narrativa, se describirán los mecanismos identificados en estas asociaciones, así como la prevalencia y la evidencia sobre el tratamiento de la AOS y del SHO

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and obesity-hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) are pathologies that are closely associated with obesity as the main risk factor, up to 70% of patients with OSA are obese. Both pathologies share common pathophysiological processes, where systemic inflammation stands out, which, added to the intermittent chronic hypoxia and sleep fragmentation characteristic of OSA, considerably increases the risk of presenting metabolic comorbidities such as metabolic syndrome, alterations in the metabolism of the glucose (insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus), and metabolic fatty liver. In this narrative review, the mechanisms identified in these associations will be described, as well as the prevalence and evidence on the treatment of OSA and OHS

Trastorno de hipoventilación central del sueño en pediatría: causas poco frecuentes / Central hypoventilation disorders sleep-related in pediatrics: unusual causes

Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) and rapid-onset obesity syndrome with hypothalamic dysfunction, hypoventilation, and autonomic dysregulation (ROHHAD) are rare causes of hypoventilation during sleep in the pediatric population. This group of disorders are characterized by the absence or decrease in the automatic control of ventilation, decreased sensitivity of chemoreceptors to CO2, causing hypoventilation during sleep and even in wakefulness, in the most severe cases. For these reasons it is important to diagnose and treat them promptly. The objective of this review is to provide current and complete literature, to be able to identify, treat and refer this group of children early, and thus reduce the complications and/or associated comorbidities in the short and long term, improving their quality of life.

El síndrome de hipoventilación central congénita (CCHS) y síndrome de obesidad de inicio rápido con disfunción hipotalámica, hipoventilación y desregulación autonómica (ROHHAD), son causas poco comunes de hipoventilación durante el sueño en la población pediátrica. Este grupo de trastornos se caracterizan por ausencia o disminución en el control automático de la ventilación, sensibilidad disminuida de los quimioreceptores al CO2, provocando hipoventilación durante el sueño e incluso en vigilia, en los casos más severos. Por estas razones es importante diagnosticarlos y tratarlos oportunamente. El objetivo de esta revisión es proporcionar literatura actual y completa, para poder identificar, tratar y referir a éste grupo de niños tempranamente, y así disminuir las complicaciones y/o comorbilidades asociadas a corto y largo plazo, mejorando su calidad de vida.

Caracterización socio-demográfica y clínica de pacientes adultos en ventilación mecánica no invasiva domiciliaria. Ministerio de Salud. Chile / Socio-demographic and clinical characterization of adult patients in non-invasive home mechanical ventilation. Ministry of Health. Chile

Resumen Introducción: La ventilación mecánica no invasiva domiciliaria (VMNID) se entrega en Chile desde el año 2008 mediante un programa público. Incluye equipamiento y profesionales. Objetivos: 1) Caracterizar el perfil socio-demográfico y clínico del usuario adulto con VMNID y 2) Proponer mejoras de atención socio-sanitaria. Método. Estudio descriptivo transversal, mediante entrevista presencial domiciliaria y revisión de bases de datos oficiales. Muestra de 267 sujetos, ambos géneros, mayores de 20 años, con Falla Respiratoria Global Crónica (FRGC) en VMNID. En 2016 había 413 pacientes activos. Resultados: Mujeres 144 (53,9%), edad media 58,6 ± 18 años. 25,5% tienen EPOC y 24% síndrome hipoventilación obesidad, la PaCO2 promedio de ingreso al programa fue de 59 ± 11 mmHg. Ventilados desde 3,2 ± 2,4 años, por 7,6 ± 2,4 h/día. Sujetos "sin instrucción" y con "educación básica incompleta" representan el 40,7% de la muestra. 46,4% eran jubilados, 3% vive en mediaguas, 19,8% reside como allegado, 49% no contaba con pareja, el 4,8% vivía solo, 68,6% eran dependientes de oxígeno. Test de Golberg estuvo alterado en un 40%. 17,7% "posee mayor limitación, incapaz de realizar el autocuidado". Conclusiones: Nuestros pacientes tienen un deterioro socio-demográfico y clínico severo, por baja escolaridad, predominio de adultos mayores, mayor incapacidad laboral, son enfermos más graves con niveles basales de PaCO2 más altos, en comparación a estudios europeos. Los programas de VMNID deben adoptar un enfoque socio-sanitario y estar insertos en la red de salud tanto en servicio social, salud cardiovascular y mental.

Introduction: Non-invasive home mechanical ventilation (NIHMV) is delivered in Chile since 2008 throughout a public program, including equipment and professionals. Objectives: 1) Characterize the socio-demographic and clinical profile of the adult patient under NIHMV and 2) Propose improvements in social health care. Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional study, through face-to-face home interview and review of official databases. Sample of 267 subjects, both gender, over 20 years-old, with Chronic Global Respiratory Failure (CGRF) in NIHMV. In 2016 there were 413 active patients. Results: Women 144 (53.9%), mean age 58.6 ± 18 years-old; 25.5% had COPD and 24% had a hypoventilation obesity syndrome, average PaCO2 at the time of admission to program was 59 ± 11 mmHg, they were ventilated since 3.2 ± 2.4 years, 7.6 ± 2.4 h a day. Subjects "without instruction" and with "incomplete basic education" represents 40.7% of the sample. 46.4% were retired persons; 3% lived in a precarious hut; 19.8% cohabited with relatives or close friends; 49% did not have a partner; 4.8% lived alone; 68.6% was oxygen dependent; 40% had an altered Golberg test; 17.7% "has a major limitation, unable to perform self-care". Conclusions: Our patients have a severe socio-demographic and clinical deterioration, due to low schooling level, predominance of older adults, a major incapacity for working and patients have a more severe disease with higher baseline PaCO2 levels, compared to European studies. NIHMV programs must adopt a social health approach and be inserted into the health network in social service, and cardiovascular and mental health programs.

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome: a current review / Síndrome de obesidade-hipoventilação: uma revisão atual

ABSTRACT Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is defined as the presence of obesity (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m²) and daytime arterial hypercapnia (PaCO2 ≥ 45 mmHg) in the absence of other causes of hypoventilation. OHS is often overlooked and confused with other conditions associated with hypoventilation, particularly COPD. The recognition of OHS is important because of its high prevalence and the fact that, if left untreated, it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. In the present review, we address recent advances in the pathophysiology and management of OHS, the usefulness of determination of venous bicarbonate in screening for OHS, and diagnostic criteria for OHS that eliminate the need for polysomnography. In addition, we review advances in the treatment of OHS, including behavioral measures, and recent studies comparing the efficacy of continuous positive airway pressure with that of noninvasive ventilation.

RESUMO A síndrome de obesidade-hipoventilação (SOH) é definida pela presença de obesidade (índice de massa corpórea ≥ 30 kg/m2) e hipercapnia arterial diurna (PaCO2 ≥ 45 mmHg), na ausência de outras causas. A SOH é frequentemente negligenciada e confundida com outras patologias associadas à hipoventilação, em particular à DPOC. A importância do reconhecimento da SOH se dá por sua elevada prevalência, assim como alta morbidade e mortalidade se não tratada. Na presente revisão, abordamos os recentes avanços na fisiopatologia e no manejo da SOH. Revisamos a utilidade da medição do bicarbonato venoso como rastreamento e os critérios diagnósticos que descartam a necessidade de polissonografia. Destacamos ainda os avanços no tratamento da SOH, incluindo medidas comportamentais, e estudos recentes que comparam a eficácia do uso de pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas e de ventilação não invasiva.

Corrección del intercambio gaseoso utilizando ventilación no invasiva guiada por manometría esofágica en un paciente con síndrome de obesidad e hipoventilación. Reporte de un caso / Correction of the exchange gaseous using ventilation non-invasive guided by esophageal manometry in a patient with syndrome obesity and hypoventilation. Report of a case

Se comunica el caso de un hombre de 68 años, obeso mórbido, con antecedentes de síndrome de apneas del sueño, que ingresa en la Unidad de Terapia Intensiva con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda hipercápnica y es tratado con ventilación mecánica no invasiva. Pese a una buena adaptación a la interfaz, el menor valor de la PaCO2 fue de 68 mmHg. Se decide colocar un balón esofágico con el objetivo de determinar en qué medida el componente toracoabdominal estaba afectando el esfuerzo de músculos inspiratorios y el intercambio gaseoso. Luego de la medición, los valores de presión positiva al final de la espiración se incrementaron, y se obtuvo una presión transpulmonar telespiratoria cercana a 0 cmH2O y una mejoría en el valor de la PaCO2. El paciente no tuvo ninguna complicación asociada a la titulación con manometría esofágica y fue dado de alta de la Terapia Intensiva, a las 72 horas (AU)

We report the case of a 68-year-old morbidly obese man, with a history of sleep apnea syndrome, who is admitted to the Intensive Care Unit with hypercapnic acute respiratory failure and is treated with non-invasive mechanical ventilation. Despite a good adaptation to the interface, the lowest value of PaCO2 was 68 mmHg. An esophageal balloon was inserted in order to determine to what extent the thoracoabdominal component was affecting inspiratory muscle effort and gas exchange. After the measurement, positive end-expiratory pressure values were increased, and a transpulmonary end-expiratory pressure close to 0 cmH2O was obtained and PaCO2 value was improved. The patient did not have any complication associated with the titration with esophageal manometry and he was discharged from Intensive Care Unit 72 hours later(AU)

Hipoventilação relacionada ao sono / Sleep hypoventilation

Tanto SHO como as doenças neuromusculares estão relacionadas à hipoventilação durante o sono. Define-se SHO como a combinação de obesidade, hipercapnia e hipoxemia crônica durante a vigília que se agrava durante o sono. Em 90 por cento dos casos, SHO está associada à apneia obstrutiva do sono. O diagnóstico baseia-se na presença de hipoventilação diurna e hipertensão pulmonar que não são justificadas por alterações da função pulmonar. A mortalidade dos pacientes com SHO é maior que aquela de pacientes sem hipoventilação e controlados para obesidade. As doenças neuromusculares são representadas principalmente pelas distrofias musculares. A progressão para insuficiência respiratória crônica surge como consequência da fraqueza dos músculos respiratórios e da limpeza inadequada das vias aéreas, causando atelectasias e pneumonias. Quando há uma redução maior que 50 por cento da forca muscular respiratória, ocorre uma diminuição na CV. A medida do pico de fluxo da tosse < 160 L/min está associada à limpeza inadequada das vias aéreas, e, com valores em torno de 270 L/min, há indicação de uso de técnicas de tosse assistida. A apneia obstrutiva do sono geralmente agrava a hipoventilação durante o sono. O suporte pressórico não invasivo durante a noite pode aumentar a sobrevida, melhorar os sintomas e a hipoventilação diurna. Além disso, no caso de doenças neuromusculares, pode diminuir o declínio da função pulmonar. A oxigenoterapia pode ser necessária nos casos de SHO.

Sleep hypoventilation is seen in patients with neuromuscular disease, as well as in those with obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS), which is defined as the combination of obesity, chronic hypercapnia, and hypoxemia during wakefulness that is aggravated during sleep. In 90 percent of cases, OHS is accompanied by obstructive sleep apnea. The diagnosis of OHS is based on hypoventilation and pulmonary hypertension that cannot be explained by alterations in pulmonary function. The mortality of patients with OHS is greater than is that of obese patients without hypoventilation. The principal neuromuscular diseases associated with OHS are the muscular dystrophies. The progression to chronic respiratory failure results from respiratory muscle weakness and impaired airway secretion clearance, causing atelectasis and pneumonia. With a decrease of greater than 50 percent in respiratory muscle strength, there is a reduction in VC. Cough peak flow < 160 L/min is associated with impaired airway secretion clearance, and values near 270 L/min indicate the need for assisted cough techniques. Obstructive sleep apnea usually worsens sleep hypoventilation. Noninvasive ventilation during sleep can improve survival, symptoms, and hypoventilation during wakefulness, as well as being able to improve pulmonary function in patients with neuromuscular disease. Patients with OHS can require oxygen therapy.

La neurología en un personaje de Dickens: síndrome pickwickiano, apneas hipopneas del sueño e hipertensión intracraneal

En muchos casos, la literatura de ficción se ha adelantado a la ciencia. Charles Dickens (1812-1870) pobló su obra con un tropel de notables personajes. Como la mayoría de los grandes novelistas, le adornaban finos dotes de observación y una extraordinaria capacidad descriptiva. Uno de sus protagonistas secundarios se ganó un puesto en los anales de la medicina. El logro de esta empresa se da al presentarnos la figura de un sirviente gordo y somnoliento llamado Joe, que a pesar de tener un pequeño y breve rol en el capítulo 54 de sus “Pickwick Papers” (1836), ha trascendido al lenguaje médico diario. La cómica caricatura que caracteriza al individuo obeso, sobrevivió en el ámbito de la medicina como un caso clásico de apneas del sueño: el síndrome de Pickwick o más precisamente, el síndrome Pickwickiano. Debieron transcurrir más de 120 años para que Burwell y sus colaboradores, hallaran una explicación fisiopatológicaal fenotipo de Joe, ese “niño gordinflón, rosado y roncador con la respiración entrecortada, eternamente somnoliento”,describiendo así, la presencia del síndrome apneashipopneas del sueño e hipoventilación alveolar en el sujeto obeso. La presencia de hipertensión intracraneal es otro de sus infrecuentes componentes. Describimos una serie de cuatro pacientes

In many cases, fictional literature has preceded science. Charles Dickens (1812-1870) filled his novels with anumber of noteworthy characters. As most great novelists, he possessed fine observation skills and an extraordinary capacity for description. In fact, one of his secondary characters gained a place in the world of medicine. From the “Pickwick Papers” (1836), Joe, the overweight and lazy servant, in spite of his brief appearance in chapter 54, has transcended to become part of the physician’s every day lingo. The amusing depiction that characterizes the overweight individual, survived in the medical world as the classic case of sleep apneas, the Pickwick syndrome or more precisely, the Pickwickian syndrome. After 120 years Burwell and his collaborators found a physiopathological explanation to the phenotype of Joe, ¨that fat and red-faced, chubby, plump and wheeze boy, in a state of somnolence”, so describing the presence of sleep apneas hypopneas and alveolar hypoventilation in obese individuals. The presence of intracranial hypertension is another of its infrequent components. We described a series of 4 of such cases.

Síndrome obesidade-hipoventilação alveolar / Obesity hypoventilation syndrome

RESUMO: Os distúrbios respiratórios do sono constituem um tópico relativamente novo do conhecimento científico, cujo manejo envolve a participação de diversas Disciplinas da área Médica. Sua importância tem crescido desde a disponibilização em escala “democrática” dos recursos diagnósticos e terapêuticos que se iniciou no começo dos anos de 1980. Isso permitiu constatações sucessivas do papel do sono e dos seus distúrbios no aumento da morbidade e da mortalidade. A prevalência também tem aumentado desde os primeiros levantamentos epidemiológicos em adultos, em parte devido ao aumento dos fatores de risco, principalmente a obesidade e idade, mas também ao melhor reconhecimento de anormalidades devido ao aumento na sensibilidadedos métodos diagnósticos utilizados. As apnéias/hipopnéias do sono têm se revelado ser o mais importante e freqüente distúrbio respiratório do sono, constituindo cerca de 80 dos casos que procuram as Clínicas dedicadas a estudar as anormalidades do sono.

Evaluación del paciente obeso / Evaluation of the obese patient

La obesidad es considerada una epidemia a nivel mundial y será seguida por una epidemia de diabetes. En el año 2005, más de 400 millones de adultos eran obesos en todo el mundo y este número se espera que aumente a más de 700 millones para el 2015. La obesidad es una entidad que está asociada con enfermedades crónicas, como son la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y la enfermedad cardiovascular. Además, la obesidad puede promover el desarrollo de otros trastornos como el síndrome metabólico, la esteatosis hepática no alcohólica, la hipertensión y algunos cánceres. Aunque existe una base genética para la obesidad, el aumento en el consumo de calorías y estilos de vida poco saludables, sin actividad física, ha disparado la prevalencia de esta condición. Una intervención más eficaz para prevenir y tratar la obesidad, debe convertirse en una prioridad para el sistema de salud, que garantice un mejor pronóstico para estos individuos.

El aporte de la cirugía bariátrica en el tratamiento del síndrome de Pickwick / Contribution of bariatric surgery in the treatment of Pickwick syndrome

El conjunto de alteraciones respiratorias que sufren los obesos mórbidos y que llevan a la hipoxemia e hipercapnia crónica, con poliglobulia compensatoria y falla cardíaca derecha secundaria es conocida desde hace tiempo como Síndrome de Pickwick. Su tratamiento médico es complejo y poco efectivo, siendo en la actualidad la cirugía bariátrica la que mejores resultados obtiene. En una serie de seis pacientes, con este cuadro, operados desde 1980 por el autor principal, sus resultados han sido muy satisfactorios al corregir rápida y efectivamente las graves alteraciones respiratorias presentes, corroborando lo descrito por la literatura mundial

Síndrome de obesidad-hipoventilación

Se describe el caso de un paciente de 39 años de edad con obesidad extrema e hipoventilación alveolar, asociada a apnea obstructiva durante el sueño. Se discuten las características clínicas principales además de los procedimientos diagnósticos empleados para su diferenciación con otros síndromes de hipoventilación (Apnea del sueño, hipoventilación alveolar primaria). Se hace referencia al tratamiento farmacológico y no farmacológico más adecuando para estos pacientes