Successful use of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for
acute chest syndrome in a child with sickle cell disease and SARS-CoV-2
Abstract
Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at increased risk for severe
illness due to severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2
(SARS-CoV-2). We describe the successful native lung recovery of a child
with SCD referred for lung transplant (LTx) evaluation who was on
prolonged veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO). He
initially presented with acute chest syndrome complicated by SARS-CoV-2
infection that ultimately required dual-lumen, single bicaval VV-ECMO
cannulation for respiratory support. Despite increased risk of hemolysis
and thrombosis from SCD and SARS-CoV-2 infection, he was successfully
supported on VV-ECMO for 71 days without complications leading to native
lung recovery with meticulous management of his SCD therapy. This report
provides new insight on our approach to VV-ECMO support in a child with
SCD and SARS-CoV-2 infection. With a successful outcome, the patient has
returned home but still on mechanical ventilation with LTx still an
option if he is not eventually liberated from invasive respiratory
support.