Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiorespiratory failure in four patients with pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza virus and secondary bacterial infection.

We report four patients with pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza virus and secondary bacterial infection who were treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for cardiorespiratory failure. Three of the four patients had profound shock, necessitating support with venoarterial ECMO. Two patients died during ECMO support. The two survivors had prolonged hospital stays, which were complicated by renal failure and limb ischaemia.