INTRODUCTION
Caused by a dysregulated host response to infection, severe septic shock
could lead to
sepsis-induced
cardiomyopathy (SIC) and even acute respiratory distress syndrome
(ARDS), resulting in life-threatening organ dysfunction
eventually[1,2]. Despite of the advanced supportive and antibiotic
treatments, sepsis is associated with a high fatality risk nowadays. The
short-term death from severe sepsis is up to 40%[3]. Either
community-acquired or health care–associated infections, such as
pneumonia, intraabdominal and urinary tract infections could contribute
to the occurrence of sepsis.
The reports of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) application in
critical patients have been increased currently. Veno-venous
extracorporeal
membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) is mostly used for patients with
refractory respiratory failure[3]. Veno-arterial extracorporeal
membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) is indicated for decompensated chronic
heart failure patients.
Some
studies have reported that it is successful for patients with SIC under
the treatment of V-A ECMO [1,4].
While,
there
is no
consensus
over the effect of V-V ECMO on septic patients with SIC.
In
this study, we
first
report the successful application of V-V ECMO on a 48-year-old male
patient of septic shock and SIC with no specific etiological pneumonia.