Early veno-venous Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation with prone positioning in the treatment of severe Acute Respiratory Distress syndrome in a pediatric patient: a case report

ABSTRACT

Aim of the study was to discuss effectiveness and outcome of Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) therapy with prone positioning while on ECMO in a child with severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Veno-venous ECMO (VV-ECMO) and prone position on ECMO are relatively newer modalities of treatment in severe ARDS in pediatric age group and to our experience very few cases has been reported in paediatric age group. A 5 year old male child presented with fever with respiratory distress. He deteriorated in next 48 hrs leading to severe hypoxemia with ARDS following which he was put on conventional ventilation. In view of worsening critical lung parameters, veno-venous ECMO was initiated. Child had persistent hypoxemia inspite on high positive end expiaratory pressure (PEEP), adequate flow and adequate Post oxygenator PO2. Recirculation and other possible causes were excluded. Prone positioning (PP) was done for 8 hrs a day with chest physiotherapy while on ECMO. Patient showed considerable improvement in next few days and ECMO was weaned on day 7 and child was discharged on day 16 with good lung recovery. Although studies on VV-ECMO with PP has proven effectiveness in severe ARDS in adult population, overall studies in paediatric ARDS are very limited. Prone positioning on ECMO may decrease duration of ECMO support. Prone positioning on VV ECMO is safe and can be considered in Persistent hypoxemia with poor respiratory compliance.