Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment for H1N1-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): results of the Croatian Referral Center for Respiratory ECMO

Int J Artif Organs. 2014 Oct;37(10):748-52. doi: 10.5301/ijao.5000356. Epub 2014 Oct 14.

Abstract

Introduction: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been effective in the treatment of H1N1-induced ARDS across the globe. However, the evidence supporting the use of ECMO in ARDS is still being collected. The intention of this study was to add a piece of puzzle to the growing body of evidence on the use of ECMO in ARDS patients.

Methods: The study included adult patients with H1N1-induced ARDS treated with ECMO at the University Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Zagreb, Croatia between October 2009 and December 2013.

Results: 17 patients with H1N1-induced ARDS treated with ECMO were included in the study. The patient cohort of the study was young with a median age of 43 years (range 23-74). The hospital mortality was 35%. Possible variables associated with mortality were analyzed and only hemolysis was found to be significant.

Conclusions: Our results confirm the usefulness of ECMO treatment in patients with H1N1-induced ARDS.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Croatia
  • Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation / methods*
  • Female
  • Hospital Mortality
  • Humans
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype*
  • Influenza, Human / complications*
  • Influenza, Human / mortality
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / etiology
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / mortality
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult