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.