[Life-threatening acute chest syndrome with hemolytic crisis in sickle cell disease. Treatment using a venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)].
METHODS
A 28-year-old male patient with sickle cell disease developed a vasoocclusive crisis with an acute chest syndrome and severe lung failure.


METHODS
After partial substitution transfusion the patient was successfully treated extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). After 12 days he was weaned from the ECMO, 2 days later the patient's tracheostoma was removed. 19 days after the event the patient had recovered completely and was moved to a hospital in Paris from where he came.


CONCLUSIONS
Apparently data is sparse regarding the use of ECMO for treatment of a life-threatening acute chest syndrome in sickle cell disease. However, the therapy approach seems to be promising and is worth considering in this particular situation.
Klinik für Anästhesie, Intensivmedizin, Schmerztherapie und Notfallmedizin, Klinikum Ludwigsburg. Matthias.Hoffmann@kliniken-lb.de
M
M
Hoffmann
G
G
Geldner
M
M
Leschke
D056586:Acute Chest Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects; D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000150:complications*; D015199:Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male