Postpartum bilateral lung transplantation in COVID-19 associated respiratory failure
Recommended Citation
Vadlamudi GD, Keerthy M, and Goyert G. Postpartum bilateral lung transplantation in COVID-19 associated respiratory failure. BMJ Case Rep 2022; 15(5).
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-17-2022
Publication Title
BMJ Case Rep
Abstract
In critically ill patients with COVID-19, established therapies in the setting of respiratory failure include invasive mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). This case report describes a pregnant woman in her 30s who was hospitalised at 35 weeks gestation with moderate COVID-19 disease. Her condition worsened following delivery, and she required intubation, maximum ventilatory support and ECMO. Because of the severe and irreversible nature of her lung disease, she ultimately underwent bilateral lung transplantation. This case showcases lung transplantation as an alternative life-saving option for patients with severe COVID-19 associated respiratory failure refractory to ECMO and mechanical ventilation. Further studies are needed to develop a multidisciplinary approach for patient selection for transplantation within the context of COVID-19 and to assess long-term outcomes.
Medical Subject Headings
COVID-19; Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation; Female; Humans; Lung Transplantation; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Respiratory Insufficiency
PubMed ID
35580959
Volume
15
Issue
5
