Lung Transplantation in Pulmonary Fibrosis Secondary to Influenza A Pneumonia.

Abstract

Influenza A (H1N1) can rapidly progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome and pulmonary fibrosis. We describe a 45-year-old man with acute respiratory distress syndrome and progressive lung fibrosis secondary to H1N1 pneumonia who was treated for 45 days with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a rescue utility and bridge to bilateral lung transplantation. The patient was saved and lived well. Lung transplantation may be a viable alternative for patients with lung fibrosis secondary to H1N1-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome in very selected situations.