Evaluation of Almitrine Infusion During Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Adults

This single-center case series investigated the effect of almitrine infusion on Pao(2)/fraction of inspired oxygen (Fio(2)) in 25 patients on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. A positive trial was defined as an increase of Pao(2)/Fio(2) ratio >= 20%. Thirty-two trials were performed. Twenty (62.5%, 95% confidence interval, 37.5%-75%) trials in 18 patients were positive, with a median Pao(2)/Fio(2) ratio increase of 35% (25%-43%). A focal acute respiratory distress syndrome and inhaled nitric oxide therapy were more frequent in patients with a positive response to almitrine. We observed no complications of almitrine use.