Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for group B streptococcal toxic shock syndrome: A case report and literature review

Rationale: Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) rapidly leads to refractory shock and multiple organ failure. The mortality rate among patients with STSS is 40%; however, most deaths occur within a few days of onset. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) may help avoid acute death in adult patients with STSS. However, the effectiveness of VA-ECMO is unclear. In this study, we report a case of group B STSS, which was successfully treated with VA-ECMO despite cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) owing to rapidly progressive refractory shock.

Patient concerns: A 60-year-old woman was hospitalized because of diarrhea and electrolyte abnormalities owing to chemoradiation therapy for rectal cancer. A sudden deterioration of her condition led to CPA. Conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation was immediately performed but was ineffective. Therefore, VA-ECMO was initiated. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed duodenal perforation. Hence, septic shock owing to peritonitis was diagnosed, and emergency surgery was performed under VA-ECMO. However, the patient had progressive multiple organ failure and required organ support therapy in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Diagnoses: On day 2 in the ICU, blood and ascites fluid culture tests revealed beta-hemolytic streptococci, and the patient was finally diagnosed as having STSS caused by Streptococcus agalactiae.

Interventions: Clindamycin was added to meropenem, vancomycin, and micafungin, which had been administered since the sudden deterioration. In addition, VA-ECMO, mechanical ventilation, blood purification therapy, and treatment for disseminated intravascular coagulation were continued.

Outcomes: Thereafter, hemodynamics improved rapidly, and the patient was weaned off VA-ECMO on day 5 of ICU admission. She was transferred to a general ward on day 22 in the ICU.

Lessons: In patients with fatal STSS and rapid progressive refractory shock or CPA, VA-ECMO may help to avoid acute death and improve prognosis by ameliorating tissue oxygenation and providing extra time to treat invasive streptococcal infection.