Care for Severe and Persistent Lung Conditions
The Severe Lung Failure Center at Cincinnati Children’s provides specialized care for children with severe lung disease who need prolonged hospitalization, extended support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or treatment for a persistent air leak in the lungs.
We specialize in treating complex lung conditions, including:
- Severe, Persistent Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): ARDS is a serious lung condition that makes it difficult for the lungs to provide enough oxygen to the body. Our team specializes in caring for children with severe ARDS who need prolonged ECMO support, particularly those who may require 21 days or more of treatment. We also manage complications that can develop during ARDS treatment, including:
- Necrotizing pneumonia, a severe lung infection that damages lung tissue
- Pneumatoceles, air-filled spaces that develop in the lungs
- Complex empyema, pleural effusion or hemothorax, which involve fluid or blood collecting around the lungs
- Persistent Air Leak Syndrome: Some children develop air leaks that do not resolve with standard treatment. Our team has expertise in complex endobronchial approaches to manage air leak syndrome due to a variety of causes, including:
- Pneumothorax, when air collects between the lung and chest wall
- Pneumomediastinum, when air collects in the space between the lungs
- Alveolopleural fistula, an abnormal connection that allows air to leak from the lung's air sacs into the space around the lung
- Bronchopleural fistula, an abnormal connection between an airway and the space around the lung
- Tracheopleural fistula, an abnormal connection between the windpipe and the space around the lung
Our multidisciplinary team also offers consultations and second opinions to medical teams caring for children who may need 21 days or more of ECMO support because of ongoing respiratory failure. We work closely with each child’s medical team to manage complications and determine the best approach to care.
