title: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for Life-threatening ANCA-positive pulmonary capillaritis. A review of UK experience.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  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 immunosuppressive therapy, which requires time, with fatality often occurring for these patients. We showed two very young patients with no previous history of vasculitis presenting with life threatening pulmonary hemorrhage due to anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody positive vasculitis, whose management was facilitated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed the clinical presentation and course of the first two patients with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage for anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody positive vasculitis managed with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. We highlighted and analysed the unique challenges encountered in managing these patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The two patients were referred for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation since conventional ventilation was inadequate to provide physiologic support for respiratory failure. Clinical improvement was achieved without exacerbation of the pulmonary hemorrhage despite the use of anticoagulants. This provided time for the immunosuppressants to take effect. Both patients were discharged and were cured of the underlying condition.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has a role in the management of patients with severe respiratory failure due to anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody positive capillaritis. Early recognition and referral for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are vital to achieve a favourable outcome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Intensive Care, Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
authors.forename: Hakeem
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yusuff
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, University Hospital of South Manchester, Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: Ignacio
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Malagon
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Intensive Care, Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
authors.forename: Kate
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Robson
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory Medicine and Transplantation, Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
authors.forename: Jas
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Parmar
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, University Hospital of South Manchester, Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hamilton
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Intensive Care, Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
authors.forename: Florian
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Falter
keywords: ANCA associated vasculitis, ECMO; hemoptysis; immunosuppression; respiratory failure