Evaluation of the effects of noninvasive ventilation on blood gas and depression levels of patients with obesity hypoventilation syndrome

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is associated with increased mechanical load on respiratory system. Here, we aimed to investigate and evaluate the effects of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) on physical and mental status of patients with OHS.

The current study is an observational study that was performed in 2020 on 50 patients with OHS in Isfahan, Iran. Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI‑II) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaires were also filled for all patients assessing their depression levels that were confirmed by psychiatrists. PO2 and PCO2 of patients were evaluated using venous blood gas(VBG) before interventions. Patients with a definite diagnosis of OHS and depression entered the study and underwent treatments with NIV. One month after the interventions with NIV, the blood gases of patients were evaluated using VBG and BDI‑II, and HADS questionnaires were also filled for all patients, evaluating their depression.

The mean age of the subjects was 63.5 ± 13.5. The mean blood oxygen after the use of NIV in patients with OHS increased significantly (P = 0.001). The mean of carbon dioxide after using NIV in patients with OHS decreased significantly (P = 0.001). Based on the BDI‑II and HADS scales, the mean score of depression after using NIV decreased significantly (P = 0.001 for both).

NIV therapies are associated with improvements in blood oxygen and CO2 of patients with OHS. The levels of depression also decreased after treatments that were confirmed by psychiatrists.