Pickwickian syndrome

Pickwickian syndrome A syndrome that is characterized by obesity, sleepiness, hypoventilation, and a reddened face. It occurs because of reduced blood oxygen levels due to breathing insufficiency. The syndrome is named for the “fat and red-faced boy in a state of somnolency” whom Charles Dickens described in his novel The Pickwick Papers. Also known as obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS).