A 2.5-year-old obese girl with persistent hypoventilation post-pneumonia: when is it not just the lungs?

Thakoon Butpech1,2, Sarisa Thawongit3, Prakasit Wannapaschaiyong1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Insights

Rapid-onset obesity with hypothalamic dysfunction, hypoventilation, and autonomic dysfunction (ROHHAD) is a rare pediatric disorder. Early recognition of chronic hypoventilation in children is key for timely diagnosis and improved outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Rare Diseases
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Rapid-onset obesity with hypothalamic dysfunction, hypoventilation, and autonomic dysfunction (ROHHAD) is a rare, life-threatening pediatric disorder.
  • It is frequently overlooked and misdiagnosed, leading to delayed treatment.
  • Chronic unexplained hypoventilation in children warrants suspicion for ROHHAD.

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