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Fulminant Neisseria meningitidis: role for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Michael S Firstenberg1, Daniele Blais, Erik Abel

  • 1Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA. Michael.firstenberg@osumc.edu

The Heart Surgery Forum
|December 21, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation successfully treated severe meningococcal septic shock with disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. This case demonstrates ECMO

Area of Science:

  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiopulmonary Support

Background:

  • Invasive meningococcal disease frequently causes septic shock and neurological complications.
  • Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly used for sepsis and respiratory failure.
  • Neurologic injury and coagulopathy are often considered contraindications for ECMO.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with complicated Neisseria meningitidis septic shock.
  • The patient developed disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC).
  • Extracorporeal support was deemed necessary.

Findings:

  • Successful application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a patient with meningococcal septic shock and DIC.
  • ECMO provided vital cardiopulmonary support during critical illness.
  • The patient's condition improved with extracorporeal support.

Implications:

  • This case suggests that ECMO may be a viable option for select patients with severe meningococcal sepsis and coagulopathy.
  • Careful patient selection and management are crucial when considering ECMO in this context.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the role of ECMO in managing complex infectious disease complications.

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