The effectiveness of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for pandemic influenza A (H1N1) induced acute respiratory distress syndrome in adults

Abstract

Given that pandemic swine flu outbreak led to substantial admission in intensive care unit, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been increasingly applied to those who suffered from H1N1 infection induced acute respiratory distress syndrome. This review is going to evaluate the effectiveness of using ECMO based on five related observational studies. The result, discussion and policy implication in Hong Kong are discussed. Since the ECMO system has been technological improved in recent years, there are less complications when applying ECMO. In view of evidence of reviewed studies, application of ECMO in Hong Kong can be considered as cost effective. And since only a few hospitals in Hong Kong can offer ECMO application, retrieval teams are needed to ensure safety transfer between hospitals.