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Extracorporeal life support for status asthmaticus
M B Shapiro1, A C Kleaveland, R H Bartlett
1Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor 48109-0331.
Chest
|June 1, 1993
Summary
Status asthmaticus, a severe asthma form, can be life-threatening. Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) successfully treated a refractory adult case, normalizing blood gases and resolving bronchospasm.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Cardiopulmonary Support
Background:
- Status asthmaticus is a severe, life-threatening asthma exacerbation unresponsive to standard treatments.
- It can lead to severe respiratory acidosis and necessitate mechanical ventilation.
Observation:
- A case of severe, refractory status asthmaticus with extreme respiratory acidosis (PaCO2 > 100 mm Hg) was reported.
- Conventional medical measures failed to control the patient's bronchospasm and respiratory failure.
Findings:
- Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) was successfully employed to manage the patient.
- ECLS rapidly normalized arterial blood gas values and facilitated bronchospasm resolution within 24 hours.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates the potential efficacy of ECLS as a rescue therapy for severe, refractory status asthmaticus in adults.
- ECLS may offer a viable alternative when conventional treatments fail, potentially improving outcomes in critical asthma cases.