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Abstract

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary haemoglobinopathy that results in polymerization of haemoglobin molecules and subsequent vaso-occlusion. A common cause of death in adults is acute chest syndrome (AChS) with resulting hypoxemic respiratory failure.

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) has been used successfully in acutely reversible respiratory failure when conventional mechanical ventilation has been unable to adequately oxygenate and ventilate in a lung-protective fashion.

We present an adult SCD patient with severe respiratory failure due to AChS, successfully treated with VV-ECMO. We also discuss some of the technical challenges and considerations when using ECMO in the SCD patient.

Keywords

sickle cell disease acute chest syndrome chest crisis adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

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Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for the treatment of adult sickle cell acute chest syndrome

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