SWINE INFLUENZA (H1N1) COMPLICATED WITH ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME (ARDS) SUCCESSFULLY TREATED WITH VENO-VENOUS EXTRACORPOREAL MEMBRANOUS OXYGENATION (VV-ECMO): A CASE REPORT

Acute respiratory failure is a lethal complication of H1N1 influenza if not managed early and duly. It is the most common cause of death in H1N1 patients, especially in high-risk groups. An example of high-risk group are pregnant women and young children with chronic respiratory tract diseases and other co-morbidities. The use of VV-ECMO in patients with respiratory failure shows a promising substitution to the standard conventional therapies. The main indication of VV-ECMO is respiratory failure that does not respond to mechanical ventilation and medications. Here, we describe a case of post-partum H1N1 influenza complicated by severe respiratory failure not improved by mechanical ventilation, followed by cardiac arrest for three minutes who was then placed on VV-ECMO, from which she was successfully continued for nine days.

Key words: VV-ECMO; ARDS; H1N1 influenza, Case report.