Extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation and emergency C-section for a pregnant COVID-19 positive patient.

Quintero, Alejandro; Vinck, Eric E; Pérez, Luz E; Escobar, José J; Rendón, Juan C; Uribe, Juan D

INTRODUCTION Data on extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy for pregnant patients with Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infection are limited. Here we report a case of an emergency cesarean section performed while the COVID-19 positive mother was on ECMO support. CASE REPORT A 36-year-old COVID-19 positive patient at 26 weeks gestational age presented with respiratory failure requiring extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation therapy. Nine days later fetal distress demanded an emergency C-section. After 5 weeks on ECMO, the patient was weaned off. Both mother and child were discharged. DISCUSSION The decision to perform an urgent C-section is one that requires meticulous thought from the attending team. Pulmonary maturation is key as pregnancy may need to be terminated at any time during ECMO. CONCLUSION Data on ECMO support for pregnant patients with COVID-19 infection are scarce. Best results can be achieved ensuring adequate anticoagulation, meticulous choice of cannulas, continued fetal monitoring, early lung maturation, and precision timing of delivery.