Successful use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in respiratory failure due to influenza and acute myeloid leukemia

Int J Infect Dis. 2020 Jul:96:570-572. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.05.074. Epub 2020 May 26.

Abstract

We report the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in a 28-year-old woman who had an influenza infection complicated with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) during treatment for acute myeloid leukemia. Despite ventilator management with positive end-expiratory pressure, nitrogen oxide inhalation, and prone positioning, there was severe hypoxemia. ECMO led to improvement in gas exchange and lung mechanics. This case shows that ECMO can be lifesaving in the treatment of immunocompromised patients who have hypoxemia that is refractory to conventional treatment.

Keywords: ARDS; Acute myeloid leukemia; ECMO; Influenza.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Influenza, Human / complications*
  • Influenza, Human / immunology
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / complications*
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / immunology
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / etiology
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / immunology
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / therapy*