Asunto(s)
COVID-19 , Embolia Aérea , Oxigenación por Membrana Extracorpórea , Embolia Pulmonar , COVID-19/complicaciones , Embolia Aérea/diagnóstico por imagen , Embolia Aérea/etiología , Embolia Aérea/terapia , Humanos , Embolia Pulmonar/diagnóstico por imagen , Embolia Pulmonar/etiología , Embolia Pulmonar/terapiaRESUMEN
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is commonly associated with a high blood transfusion requirement. Jehovah's Witness patients present a particular challenge. The impossibility of transfusing blood cells and starting anticoagulation treatment are common contraindications for this supportive measure. Here we report the case of a Jehovah's Witness patient with refractory hypoxemia due to influenza A H1N1 pneumonia who required venovenous ECMO for 11 days. We describe the use of a bloodless approach to reduce the waste of blood, avoiding anticoagulation, and improving red blood cell production. We then summarize the current literature on the use of ECMO in Jehovah's Witness patients and, finally, we propose some recommendations for their management.