Citrobacter sepsis and severe newborn respiratory failure supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

An infant with fulminant Citrobacter sepsis and respiratory failure is presented. The severity of respiratory failure and the need for systemic heparinization on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation delayed the opportunity of initial lumbar puncture to rule out meningitis. The infant was successfully treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and long-term antibiotics. Repeated cranial computed tomography scans remained negative for intracerebral abscesses, and the infant is within normal limits for growth, neurologic status, and developmental status.