Management of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome with H1N1 Influenza Virus in Pregnancy: Successful Mechanical Ventilation and Weaning with Airway Pressure Release Ventilation

Abstract

In pregnancy, infection with H1N1 influenza virus may produce symptoms similar to infection with seasonal influenza virus. Patients may rarely come with a clinical condition causing severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and death. Therefore, mechanical-ventilation strategies to manage these events are vital. We report a case of ARDS after an infection with H1N1 influenza A in a 33-year-old patient pregnant at 27-weeks. The ARDS was successfully managed by airway pressure release ventilation (APRV). APRV can be used successfully as an alternative to conventional mechanical ventilation modes in pregnant patients experiencing severe respiratory failure.