We would like to discuss the recent publication titled “Fulminant myocarditis associated with the H1N1 influenza virus: case report and literature review.”(1) In this report, Lobo et al. noted that “the H1N1 influenza virus should be considered an etiologic agent of myocarditis”(1) and concluded that “the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy appears promising but has not yet been ...

BACKGROUND Numerous cases of swine-origin 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus (H1N1)-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) bridged by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy have been reported; however, complication rates are high. We present our experience with H1N1-associated ARDS and successful bridging of lung function using superimposed high-frequency jet ventilation (SH...

BACKGROUND Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) incorporates surgical techniques as adjuncts in the management of refractory respiratory dysfunction. For many years, its primary application was for support of neonatal infants in cardiorespiratory failure. As the 2009 H1N1 influenza A pandemic developed, more reports came in of severe respiratory dysfunction and even death that seemed to b...

Amphotericin B treatment during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is at times necessary for the treatment of secondary fungemia or, less commonly, to treat a primary fungal infection. The impact of the extracorporeal circuit on the pharmacokinetics of amphotericin B have not been described in vivo. This case report describes the pharmacokinetics of amphotericin B in a patient receiving extrac...

OBJECTIVE To describe mechanical ventilation settings in adult patients treated for an acute respiratory distress syndrome with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and assess the potential impact of mechanical ventilation settings on ICU mortality. DESIGN Retrospective observational study. SETTING Three international high-volume extracorporeal membrane oxygenation centers. PATIENTS A tota...

The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in adults has rapidly increased as the technology has evolved, although there is little definitive evidence that it is beneficial in this group. ECMO is now being used in acute respiratory distress syndrome (and was used extensively for this indication during the influenza H1N1 pandemic), as a bridge to lung or heart transplant, and in postc...

70 The severity of novel influenza A virus subtype H1N1 in young adults was initially described by the Mexican Health Ministry in April 2009 (1). The number of previously healthy patients progressing to respiratory and multisystem organ failure was common (2,3). Worldwide, hospitals reported surges in intensive care admissions during the initial phase of the pandemic (4–6). In Canada, 17% of al...

INTRODUCTION Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody positive pulmonary capillaritis complicated by diffuse alveolar hemorrhage is a potentially fatal condition for which extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can facilitate improved outcomes and potential cure. Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage can be the initial presentation of an autoimmune disorder. The management is centered on the use of immunosuppre...

INTRODUCTION Virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (VAHS) is a severe complication of various viral infections often resulting in multiorgan failure and death. The purpose of this study was to describe baseline characteristics, development of VAHS, related treatments and associated mortality rate of consecutive critically ill patients with confirmed 2009 influenza A (H1N1) infection and resp...