Use of Early Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) for Severe Refractory Status Asthmaticus

Abstract

Emerging evidence suggests that extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) improves survival in adults with reversible respiratory failure compared to conventional ventilation. Refractory status asthmaticus is an uncommon indication for ECMO. We present a case of near fatal status asthmaticus not responsive to conventional treatment and ventilation, in whom early use of ECMO resulted in a positive outcome. This case illustrates ECMO as a useful bridging therapy in this group of patients.




J Med Cases. 2011;2(3):124-126
doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/jmc204w