Pulmonary arterial hypertension therapies in patients with obesity hypoventilation syndrome: a case series
Abstract
Obesity hypoventilation syndrome is caused by complex interactions between multiple pathological processes, including diminished respiratory drive and sleep-related breathing alterations, leading to structural and functional respiratory impairment and ultimately, pulmonary hypertension. Because pulmonary hypertension is closely associated with obesity hypoventilation syndrome, thoroughly evaluating its etiology is essential, and individualized treatments must be considered. We describe 2 patients with obesity hypoventilation syndrome exhibiting severe pulmonary hypertension with pulmonary vascular resistance exceeding 5 Wood units; both were classified as Group 1 pulmonary hypertension, ie, pulmonary arterial hypertension. Initially admitted to our hospital complaining of dyspnea, both patients commenced pulmonary arterial hypertension therapies in addition to positive airway pressure therapy and diuretics, improving their hemodynamic status, dyspnea, and exercise capacity, and finally enabling their discharge. These findings suggest that pulmonary arterial hypertension can coexist with obesity hypoventilation syndrome, and pulmonary arterial hypertension therapies, introduced with careful consideration, may provide substantial benefits for select patients.
Citation: Daigo K, Hiraide T, Momoi M, et al. Pulmonary arterial hypertension therapies in patients with obesity hypoventilation syndrome: a case series. J Clin Sleep Med. 2025;21(4):723-732.
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Evidence Hub reads this as a case series, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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