The Use of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation During Acute Chest Crisis in an Adult Sickle Cell Disease Patient: Identification of Pearls and Pitfalls

Arterial blood gas analysis revealed hypoxia and metabolic and respiratory acidosis (pH 6.7, carbondioxide 122 mmHg, partial pressure of oxygen [PaO2] 46 mmHg) with hyperkalemia (6.7 mEq/L). Timely monitoring of HbS and automated red blood cell exchange were unavailable. [...]many patients lack access to primary care providers and hematologists with training and expertise in treating their disease.