ECMO Does Not Improve Outcome for Influenza A (H1N1)–Associated ARDS

Comparison of patients treated with conventional mechanical ventilation and matched patients treated with ECMO showed no difference in intensive care unit mortality.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), although restricted to a few medical centers, has been proposed for the management of severe hypoxemia in individuals with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A recent randomized, controlled trial suggesting that it might have an advantage over conventional ventilatory support (Lancet 2009; 374:1351) led to its increased use in patients with pandemic influenza A (H1N1)–associated ARDS.

To examine whether ECMO offers an advantage over standard therapy in this situation, researchers prospectively collected data on patients with H1N1 influenza who were admitted to any of 114 participating intensive care units (ICUs) in France between July 2009 and March 2010 (all such patients) or between Sept…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

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Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

ECMO Does Not Improve Outcome for Influenza A (H1N1)–Associated ARDS

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Reviewing Author