Successful weaning from 65-day extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy in influenza-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Data on prolonged extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) usage in influenza associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are lacking. Furthermore, no consensus exists on when to terminate ECMO treatment in refractory cases. This report highlights additional treatment measures and complications in prolonged ECMO therapy and discusses associated ethical burdens.

CASE REPORT:

We report on a 64-year-old man with confirmed H1N1 influenza virus infection who was successfully weaned from 65-day ECMO treatment with an excellent outcome.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our experience suggests that prolonged ECMO therapy may be provided as long as only 1-organ failure exists and no lung fibrosis occurs. Active physical therapy, facilitated by ECMO treatment, is crucial and should be performed as early as possible.

• Authors: Nina Buchtele, Peter Schellongowski, Andja Bojic, Alexander Hermann, Oliver Robak, Wolfgang Lamm, Thomas Staudinger
• Journal: The International journal of artificial organs (Int J Artif Organs) Vol. 39 Issue 5 Pg. 249-52 (Jul 04 2016) ISSN: 1724-6040 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 27338282 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Exhalation
• Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
• Humans
• Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype
• Influenza, Human (complications)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (etiology, therapy)
• Treatment Outcome