EXTRACORPOREAL MEMBRANE-OXYGENATION IN PEDIATRIC RESPIRATORY-FAILURE SECONDARY TO SMOKE-INHALATION INJURY

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was used successfully in tw o children who had respiratory failure secondary to smoke inhalation i njury. The first involved a 20% body surface area burn with initial ca rboxyhemoglobin of 26%. The patient developed varicella pneumonia, whi ch complicated his respiratory failure; he was placed on ECMO for 7 da ys, The second infant had a 35% body surface area burn and carboxyhemo globin of 30%. He underwent debridement and allografting while on ECMO , and was decannulated after 13 days. Anticoagulation for ECMO did not significantly interfere with dressing changes. Both patients had defi nitive autografting and were discharged home breathing room air. Copyr ight (C) 1996 by W.B. Saunders Company