In the past decade, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has emerged as an innovative
therapy for influenza-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Despite
its promising results, the ideal timing of ECMO initiation for these patients remains
unclear. Retrospective analysis of a single institution experience with venovenous
ECMO for influenza-induced ARDS was performed. Twenty-one patients were identified
and categorized into early (0–2 days), standard (3–6 days), or late (more than 7 days)
cannulation cohorts. Patients cannulated within 48 hours of admission had 80% survival
rate at 90 days. Comparatively, the standard and late cannulation cohorts had an observed
90-day survival rate of 60 and 16.7%, respectively.
Keywords
extracorporeal membrane oxygenation - ECMO - infection - intensive care
