Sleep disorders and outpatient treatment of patients with pulmonary disease

Abstract

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kyphoscoliosis, and neuromuscular disorders frequently desaturate in rapid eye movement sleep. This can lead to polycythemia, pulmonary hypertension, and respiratory failure. In addition, these patients as well as those with asthma may have unsuspected coexistent obstructive sleep apnea. The detection of hypoventilation, oxygen desaturation, and obstructive sleep apnea may lead to more effective treatment of these patients.