Work

Mortality and risk factors associated with death in patients with obesity hypoventilation syndrome and of predominantly Afro-Caribbean origin in Martinique

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is a respiratory complication of obesity. Mortality from OHS is non-negligible. Risk factors for OHS-related mortality are not well established and vary in the literature. This study aimed to assess mortality from OHS in patients in Martinique and to identify risk factors for death. METHODS: We performed a single-centre, observational study from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2024, including patients with OHS. RESULTS: Among 167 included patients, 44 (26.4%) died as of 31 December 2024. 5-year mortality was 12.6%.In multivariable Cox regression, independent predictors of mortality were: OHS diagnosed during acute respiratory failure (HR 6.60, 95% CI 1.50 to 29.10), irregular follow-up (HR 5, 95% CI 1.82 to 14.29), left heart disease (HR 3.63, 95% CI 1.51 to 8.70), lower haematocrit (HR 1.12 per percentage point, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.22) and older age at diagnosis (HR 1.04 per year, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.08). CONCLUSION: Mortality among patients with OHS in Martinique remains high. Strategies to improve early diagnosis, cardiovascular risk management and long-term follow-up are essential to improving outcomes in this high-risk population.

Source: BMJ Open Respiratory Research

DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2025-003819