Pandemic (H1N1) 2009-associated ARDS rescued by neuraminidase inhibitors with emergency use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

A 36-year-old man with underlying systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by autoimmune hemolytic anemia underwent immunosuppressive treatment. After showing a low-grade fever for two days, his fever spiked. He was confirmed to have pandemic (H1N1) 2009 by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR). His condition deteriorated to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and mechanical ventilation became necessary. The lowest PaO(2)/FIO(2) ratio was 77, and he was placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Based on our observation, the emergency use of ECMO in addition to peramivir might be useful. A noteworthy point is that once ARDS deteriorates due to pandemic (H1N1) 2009, intensive supportive care should be started.