ECMO Treatment Rescues 71-Year-Old Doctor from ARDS Complications in Rare Malaria Case | Kolkata News
A 71-year-old doctor, Dr. Anjan Chatterjee, experienced severe respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) after contracting malaria. He received ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) support at Manipal Broadway Unit in Kolkata to overcome serious complications. This case is notable because doctors had not encountered malaria patients who required ECMO before.
Dr. Chatterjee, a consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and an infertility specialist, was admitted on October 21 after being transferred from another hospital in critical condition. He had high fever, loss of appetite, headache, and joint pain for five days. Tests suggested he had vivax malaria along with some cardiac issues.
Initially, he was placed on Non-Invasive Ventilation due to worsening hypoxia. When his condition did not improve, he was put on mechanical ventilation. After assessing the risks and consulting with the family, the medical team started Veno-Venous ECMO on October 23 as a last resort. After about ten days on ECMO, Dr. Chatterjee showed steady improvement and was discharged.
Dr. Susruta Bandyopadhyay, HOD of ICU and Critical Care, noted that while vivax malaria rarely leads to severe disease, in Dr. Chatterjee’s case, it resulted in ARDS—a rare complication. A multidisciplinary team was formed to address his complex condition.
How can malaria lead to rare complications like ARDS, and what treatment options are available?
Interview with Dr. Susruta Bandyopadhyay and Dr. Subhasis Ganguly on a Rare Malaria Case Leading to ECMO Support
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In a groundbreaking medical incident, Dr. Anjan Chatterjee, a 71-year-old consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support following a severe case of respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) induced by malaria. This unprecedented case unfolded at the Manipal Broadway Unit in Kolkata. To gain insights into this rare situation, we interviewed Dr. Susruta Bandyopadhyay, Head of ICU and Critical Care, and Dr. Subhasis Ganguly, an internal medicine specialist involved in the treatment.
Interviewer: Dr. Bandyopadhyay, could you outline the complexities of Dr. Chatterjee’s case when he was first admitted?
Dr. Susruta Bandyopadhyay: When Dr. Chatterjee arrived on October 21, he was in critical condition with high fever, profound fatigue, headache, and joint pain—symptoms consistent with vivax malaria. His respiratory function was significantly compromised due to hypoxia. We initially attempted Non-Invasive Ventilation, but as his condition deteriorated, we had to escalate to mechanical ventilation. The combination of vivax malaria and underlying cardiac issues was particularly concerning.
Interviewer: What led to the decision to initiate ECMO support, which is rather unusual for malaria patients?
Dr. Bandyopadhyay: This case presented unique challenges. Dr. Chatterjee developed ARDS, a condition rarely seen in patients suffering from vivax malaria. Given the lack of improvement with conventional treatment, we formed a multidisciplinary team to evaluate the potential for ECMO. After rigorous assessment and discussions with his family regarding the risks, we commenced Veno-Venous ECMO on October 23 as a last resort.
Interviewer: Dr. Ganguly, how do you assess the significance of Dr. Chatterjee’s recovery?
Dr. Subhasis Ganguly: Dr. Chatterjee’s recovery is indeed remarkable. It underscores the unpredictability of malaria complications. Although vivax malaria does not typically lead to severe outcomes, in this instance, it did. The successful use of ECMO illustrates our capacity to adapt and utilize advanced life-support technology in unusual scenarios. The team’s proficient handling of a complex medical condition truly made a difference.
Interviewer: Dr. Chatterjee himself mentioned being largely unaware of the situation during his ICU stay. How do you perceive the psychological impact such experiences can have on patients?
Dr. Bandyopadhyay: The critical condition and sedation often rob patients of awareness during their stay in the ICU. It’s not uncommon for them to be oblivious to the chaos around them. Our team understands the mental toll these experiences can take, and we strive to support not just their physical recovery but also their emotional well-being.
Interviewer: Lastly, what does this case mean for future malaria treatments, especially considering ECMO?
Dr. Ganguly: This case certainly challenges our traditional perceptions of malaria care. It highlights the importance of a dynamic approach in managing unexpected complications. While ECMO is typically reserved for conditions like severe COVID-19 or trauma, it can be invaluable for other critical respiratory failures. We must continue researching and sharing insights from such cases to enhance our understanding and treatment methodologies.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Bandyopadhyay and Dr. Ganguly, for shedding light on this exceptional case and for your commitment to advancing medical care.
Dr. Bandyopadhyay and Dr. Ganguly: Thank you for having us.
Dr. Subhasis Ganguly, an internal medicine specialist, described Dr. Chatterjee’s recovery as remarkable, emphasizing the rarity of needing ECMO for malaria-related respiratory failure.
Dr. Chatterjee reflected on his experience, stating he was unaware of what happened during his five days in ICU. He expressed gratitude to the Manipal team for their care and support during his recovery.