A Case of Scrub Typhus Complicated by Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Successful Management with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2016 Sep 7;95(3):554-7. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0069. Epub 2016 Jul 25.

Abstract

A 67-year-old woman was diagnosed as having scrub typhus with pneumonitis. On admission, she was started on a combination therapy with levofloxacin and doxycycline. However, the patient developed severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) on the 2nd day, and as a result, she underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). She was weaned from ECMO on the 10th day, as her respiratory status gradually improved. She was discharged without sequelae on the 23rd day. The outcome suggests that the use of ECMO should be considered for patients with ARDS induced from scrub typhus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / complications*
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / diagnostic imaging
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / therapy
  • Scrub Typhus / complications*
  • Scrub Typhus / therapy