Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Treatment for H1N1-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): Results of the Croatian Referral Center for Respiratory ECMO

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.