Abstract | OBJECTIVES: METHODS: We summarize our experience with three patients, who underwent lung transplantation and presented with severe acute rejection episodes. OKT3 had to be initiated due to insufficient response to standard rejection therapy with corticosteroids. Upon initiation of OKT3 treatment, a massive life-threatening deterioration of lung function in spite of heavily invasive respirator treatment was seen and temporary ECMO support was imperative to support graft function. Results of this treatment were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: In all cases femoro-femoral veno-arterial ECMO was used for support of the impaired graft and after a period of 4-5 days led to a massive improvement of graft function. In the further course two patients could be discharged from hospital and are still alive 30 and 36 months, respectively, after the described incident. One patient died 4 months later due to liver failure. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the use of ECMO support in patients experiencing significant side effects from OKT3 therapy is a useful and effective therapeutic tool to overcome the initial critical period until the lung has sufficiently recovered.
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Authors | Clemens Aigner, Peter Jaksch, Samy Mazhar, Kriztina Czebe, Gabriel Marta, Sharokh Taghavi, Georg Lang, Walter Klepetko |
Journal | European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
(Eur J Cardiothorac Surg)
Vol. 25
Issue 2
Pg. 184-7
(Feb 2004)
ISSN: 1010-7940 [Print] Germany |
PMID | 14747110
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Immunosuppressive Agents
- Muromonab-CD3
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Topics |
- Acute Disease
- Adult
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
- Female
- Graft Rejection
(diagnostic imaging, therapy)
- Humans
- Immunosuppressive Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Lung Transplantation
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Muromonab-CD3
(therapeutic use)
- Radiography
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