Preparedness for rapid veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation introduction for pediatric severe acute respiratory distress syndrome: a case report

CasePrevious research has suggested that venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vvECMO) is useful for patients refractory to conventional therapy. We report a pediatric case of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection with a good outcome following rapid initiation of vvECMO. This patient was a 13-year-old boy with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome due to influenza virus. Severe acute respiratory distress syndrome according to the Berlin definition, Murray score of 3.3, and severe air leak syndrome were found. OutcomePuncture for the cannula began 67min after admission, and vvECMO management was rapidly initiated within 90min after admission. Introduction of vvECMO required 23min to complete. The patient was weaned from vvECMO on day 5 and he was discharged home without any complication. ConclusionIt is essential to prepare a system that enables the rapid introduction of vvECMO for children in the emergency center.