Overview
Using an extensive set of both volitional and non-volitional tests of respiratory muscle function and strength it is the aim of this study to
- identify potential determinants for the development of obesity hypoventilation
- to identify predictors for the presence of a sleep-related hypoventilation requiring treatment in obese patients
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- patients with BMI > 30 and obesity-associated hypoventilation stages I - IV
- patients with BMI > 30 and elevated OHS-risk (= obstructive sleep apnea without hypercapnia)
- age:18-80 years
- capacity to consent
Exclusion Criteria:
- any other disease, that causes ventilatory insufficiency
- pacemaker, defibrillators or device for deep brain or vagus nerve stimulation
- esophagitis, Barrett-esophagus, esophageal cancer
- acute gastritis and ulcera ventriculi
- epilepsy
- any medical, psychological or other condition impairing the patient's ability to provide informed consent