Treatment of a 7-Year-Old Boy With Obesity-Hypoventilation (Pickwickian Syndrome) on A Psychosomatic Inpatient Unit

Obesity-Hypoventilation Syndrome, in which obesity is accompanied by respiratory hypoventilation and daytime somnolence, is a particularly complex and dangerous disorder. The authors review the literature describing Obesity-Hypoventilation (Pickwickian Syndrome) and describe the management and rehabilitation of a 7-year-old boy referred to their hospital unit with features of the syndrome. A hypothesized pathophysiological mechanism is presented, and the authors describe an approach to treatment emphasizing comprehensive inpatient management by the coordinated efforts of psychiatric, pediatric, and supportive disciplines.