Rescue of acute refractory hypercapnia and acidosis secondary to life-threatening asthma with extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO2R)

Abstract

We report a case of life-threatening asthma associated with profound hypercapnia and acidosis that was refractory to conventional medical therapy but was managed successfully using an extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO2R) device (NovaLung iLA®). In the UK, ECCO2R is still not widely available, with few intensivists and anaesthetists having experience of its use in routine intensive care unit practice. Extracorporeal CO2 removal may have a role in the management of acute life-threatening asthma and in preventing patient death and improving overall outcomes.