Therapeutic options for severe, refractory status asthmaticus: inhalational anaesthetic agents, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and helium/oxygen ventilation

Despite improvements in supportive care, the mortality and morbidity of asthma remain constant. The risks and incidence of morbidity related to barotrauma remain high in patients that require mechanical ventilation. The authors present three alternative strategies including the inhalation of anaesthetic agents, helium/oxygen ventilation, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation which may be beneficial when 'conventional therapies' fail in the intubated patient with status asthmaticus.