Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome in Children and Adolescents
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15716282 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Duilio Petrongari (University of Chieti-Pescara, corresponding author), Paola Di Filippo (0000-0001-7336-4292, University of Chieti-Pescara), Francesca Cacciatore (University of Chieti-Pescara), Armando Di Ludovico (0000-0002-2644-1475, University of Chieti-Pescara), Giuseppe Francesco (Casa di Cura Columbus), Giuseppe Francesco Sferrazza Papa (0000-0002-5245-4843, Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa di Cura Igea, 20144 Milan, Italy), Sabrina Di Pillo (University of Chieti-Pescara), Francesco Chiarelli (0000-0002-3724-1495, University of Chieti-Pescara), Marina Attanasi (0000-0001-6513-3160, University of Chieti-Pescara) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 13 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 140-140 |
| Publication date | 2026-01-18 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Children (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2227-9067 • E-ISSN: 2227-9067 |
| Publisher | Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3390/children13010140 |
| PMID | 41597148 |
| OpenAlex | W7124683699 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 69 |
Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is a severe and underrecognized respiratory disorder characterized by the coexistence of obesity, daytime hypercapnia, and sleep-disordered breathing. Although well described in adults, pediatric OHS remains poorly defined despite the rising prevalence of childhood obesity. Its pathophysiology is multifactorial, involving obesity-related mechanical constraints, impaired ventilatory control, altered chemosensitivity, and frequent overlap with obstructive sleep apnea. Clinical manifestations in children are often subtle and nonspecific, including snoring, sleep fragmentation, daytime sleepiness, and neurocognitive impairment, frequently leading to delayed diagnosis and, in some cases, acute cardiopulmonary decompensation. Management of pediatric OHS is challenging and largely extrapolated from adult data. Positive airway pressure therapy remains the cornerstone of treatment, while weight reduction is essential but difficult to achieve in pediatric populations. Pharmacological approaches such as medroxyprogesterone or acetazolamide remain experimental, with limited pediatric evidence. This review synthesizes current knowledge on pediatric OHS, focusing on epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic strategies. Increased awareness and earlier recognition are essential to prevent progression to chronic respiratory failure and long-term cardiovascular complications
Acetazolamide · Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome · Hypoventilation · Mechanical ventilation · Neurocognitive · Obesity · Obesity hypoventilation syndrome · Overlap syndrome · Positive airway pressure · Neuroscience of respiration and sleep · Obstructive Sleep Apnea Research · Respiratory Support and Mechanisms
| Highly cited | No |
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