Pickwickian syndrome: the challenge of severe sleep apnea
Marchiondo, K.
Medsurg Nursing Official Journal of the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses 9(4): 183-188
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 1092-0811 PMID: 11040660 Document Number: 522726
Pickwickian syndrome is a severe form of sleep apnea in obese persons which involves mechanical impairment of ventilation resulting in greatly compromised gas exchange. Manifestations of the syndrome are associated with deposits of adipose tissue around the abdomen and diaphragm and are completely reversible with weight loss. Since sleep apnea is now recognized as a significant chronic health problem, nurses in intensive care, medical-surgical, and home care settings are increasingly challenged to provide competent assessment, care, and rehabilitation of affected individuals.