The staff of Hue Central Hospital shared happiness with the patient's family during the hospital discharge. Photo: T. Hien

Previously, the patient was transferred to the Pediatric Center, Hue Central Hospital, with severe acute respiratory failure. H.V. was actively treated at the Pediatric ICU with a diagnosis of progressive acute respiratory distress syndrome due to pneumonia. As the high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) given was ineffective, doctors performed invasive lung-protective ventilation, but the disease deteriorated seriously…

Based on the arterial blood gas results, ventilator parameters, and severe damage on the lung CT Scan, the patient was indicated to place VV-ECMO (venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to support breathing). However, severe disease, septic shock, and multi-organ failure required continuous renal replacement therapies (CRRT). Thanks to the coordination between the departments, and the urgent and active treatment process..., his condition improved, with liver and kidney function recovered. The patient has his continuous renal replacement therapies, ECMO, and mechanical ventilation removed after 17 days of treatment.

ECMO technique was first successfully performed by doctors of Hue Central Hospital in Vietnam in March 2009, mainly for patients with cardiogenic shock, myocarditis, cardiovascular surgery, and acute respiratory distress syndrome with insufficient ventilation. ECMO is a cardio-pulmonary support technique that saves the lives of many critically ill patients who do not respond to conventional treatments, helping the heart and lungs to rest and wait for the recovery time. Hue Central Hospital's Intensive Care Unit has implemented this technique for respiratory and circulatory support with a high success rate. 

Currently, peripheral ECMO is performed in the ICU percutaneously or by vascular cut-down; many cases of severe, critical patients with a high risk of mortality were saved.

By LINH TUE