Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in a case of opioid-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome

IntroductionCurrently Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is used for long-term support of respiratory and/or cardiac function, ECMO is primarily indicated for patients with temporary severe ventilation and/or oxygenation problems that they are unlikely to survive conventional lung protective mechanical ventilation.Aim of the workWe describe our experience in the management of a case of opioid-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome with ECMO.MethodsA 22 year old female, known Heroin addict, admitted with severe ARDS, failed to improve with conventional ventilation, Murray Lung Injury Score was 3.5, RESP score (8) was 4, underwent Veno-venous (V-V) ECMO via femoro-atrial approach using Maquet Cardiohelp console. The ECMO run duration was 12 days. Successful decannulation was done after weaning off ECMO by decreasing FiO2 on ECMO, and continuing mechanical ventilation on pressure support ventilation.ResultsSuccessful weaning of ECMO on day 12 and successful extubation on day 14.ConclusionECMO can be used safely and successfully in the treatment of Heroin induced ARDS.