follow-up and monitoring for people with obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS)

Last edited 09/2021 and last reviewed 10/2021

Follow-up and monitoring for people with obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS)


Tailor follow-up to the person's overall treatment plan, which may include lifestyle changes and treating comorbidities

Follow-up for people using CPAP or non-invasive ventilation

Offer face-to-face, video or phone consultations, including review of telemonitoring data (if available), to people with OHS having non-invasive ventilation or CPAP. This should include:

  • an initial consultation within 1 month and
  • subsequent follow-up according to the person's needs and until optimal control of symptoms, AHI or ODI, oxygenation and hypercapnia is achieved

When non-invasive ventilation or CPAP (with or without oxygen therapy) has been optimised for people with OHS and their symptoms are controlled, consider 6-monthly to annual follow-up according to the person's needs.

Offer people with OHS having non-invasive ventilation or CPAP access to a sleep and ventilation service for advice, support and equipment between follow-up appointments

Follow-up for drivers with excessive sleepiness

Monitoring treatment efficacy for people with obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS)

Assess the effectiveness of treatment with CPAP or non-invasive ventilation in people with OHS by reviewing the following:

  • OHS symptoms, including the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and vigilance, for example, when driving
  • severity of OSAHS, using AHI or ODI
  • improvement in oxygenation and hypercapnia while awake and asleep
  • adherence to therapy
  • telemonitoring or download information from the device (if available)

Explore with the person their understanding and experience of treatment, and review the following:

  • mask type and fit, including checking for leaks
  • nasal and mouth dryness, and the need for humidification
  • other factors affecting sleep disturbance such as insomnia, restless legs and shift work
  • sleep hygiene
  • cleaning and maintenance of equipment

For people with OHS having supplemental oxygen therapy, review whether this is still needed after treatment with non-invasive ventilation or CPAP has been optimised.

Reference:

Related pages:

obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS)