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Diagnostic tests for obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Diagnostic tests for obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS)


Diagnosing OHS and assessing ventilatory failure

  • consider measuring serum venous bicarbonate as a preliminary test if the pre-test probability of OHS is low. If bicarbonate levels are below 27 mmol/litre, OHS is unlikely.
  • measure arterial or arterialised capillary blood gases when the person with suspected OHS is awake, to diagnose OHS and assess the extent of chronic ventilatory failure
  • do not delay treatment for acute ventilatory failure to carry out further investigations for OHS

Diagnosing the presence of OSAHS (obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome) or nocturnal hypoventilation in people with OHS

  • offer respiratory polygraphy, either in hospital or at home, to determine the presence of OSAHS in people with suspected OHS
  • consider adding transcutaneous CO2 monitoring during sleep to respiratory polygraphy in people with suspected OHS to determine the extent of nocturnal hypoventilation and provide additional information to guide treatment
  • do not use oximetry alone to determine the presence of OSAHS in people with OHS

Reference:

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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