We present a 42-year-old woman with status asthmaticus who required mechanical ventilation and a combination of maneuvers, including barbiturate coma, general anesthesia, high-dose steroids, bronchoscopic pulmonary toilet, and helium-oxygen ventilation, resulting in successful extubation and eventual hospital discharge. This case report illustrates the possible role of combination therapy in the management of severe asthma exacerbation.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
KuoEKestenS.A retrospective comparative study of in-hospital management of acute severe asthma: 1984 versus 1989. Chest1993;103: 1655–1660.
2.
National Asthma Education Program Expert Panel On The Management Of Asthma. Publication Number 91-3042, August 1991.
3.
EcheverriaMGelbAWexlerHREnflurance and halo-thane in status asthmaticus. Chest1986;89: 152–154.
4.
GrunbergGCohenJDKeslinJGassnerS.Facilitation of mechanical ventilation in status asthmaticus with continuous intravenous thiopental. Chest1991;99: 1216–1219.
5.
TuxenDWilliamsTScheinkestelCDUse of a measurement of pulmonary hyperinflation to control the level of mechanical ventilation in patients with acute severe asthma. Am Rev Respir Dis1992;146: 1136–1142.
6.
ShapiroMBKleavelandACBarlettRH.Extracorporeal life support for status asthmaticus. Chest1993;193: 1651–1654.
7.
GluckEOnoratoDJCastriottaR.Helium oxygen mixtures in intubated patients with status asthmaticus and respiratory acidosis. Chest1990;98: 693–698.
