Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for acute respiratory failure caused by liver abscess.

Abstract

Liver abscess remains a life-threatening disease, particularly when it results in systemic organ failure necessitating intensive care. Only few cases of respiratory failure caused by liver abscess and treated with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) have been reported. Here we present a case of liver abscess with rapid progression of multiple organ dysfunction, including severe acute respiratory failure on admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Upon admission, we immediately initiated artificial organ support systems, including ventilator, continuous renal replacement therapy, and cardiovascular drug infusion for septic multiple organ failure and source control. Despite this initial management, respiratory failure deteriorated and V-V ECMO was introduced. The case developed abdominal compartment syndrome, for which we performed a bedside decompressive laparotomy in the ICU. The case gradually recovered from multiple organ failure and was discharged from the ICU on day 22 and from the hospital on day 53. Since liver abscess is potentially lethal and respiratory failure on admission is an additional risk factor of mortality, V-V ECMO may serve as an adjunctive choice of artificial organ support for cases of severe acute respiratory failure caused by liver abscess.

• Authors: Kazuhiro Katsuhara, Taka-Aki Nakada, Mami Yamada, Takashi Fuse, Koji Idoguchi, Tetsuya Matsuoka
• Journal: Journal of artificial organs : the official journal of the Japanese Society for Artificial Organs (J Artif Organs) Vol. 18 Issue 2 Pg. 173-6 (Jun 2015) ISSN: 1619-0904 [Electronic] Japan
• PMID: 25420925 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Aged, 80 and over
• Critical Care
• Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (methods)
• Humans
• Liver Abscess (complications, diagnosis, therapy)
• Male
• Multiple Organ Failure (diagnosis, etiology, therapy)
• Renal Replacement Therapy
• Respiratory Distress Syndrome (diagnosis, etiology, therapy)