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Despite the undeniable complexity one may encounter while managing critically ill patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV), intensive care unit-related mortality has declined in recent years, not only because of more efficacious antiretroviral therapy (ART) but also due to the advances in critical support. However, the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in these patients remains controversial. We report four cases of HIV-infected patients with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) treated with ECMO support and discuss its indications and possible role in the prevention of barotrauma and ventilator- induced lung injury (VILI). The eventually favorable clinical course of the patients that we present suggests that although immune status is an important aspect in the decision to initiate ECMO support, this technology can provide real benefit in some patients with severe HIV-related refractory ARDS.

There is a large reservoir of individuals with past hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection that are in risk for HBV reactivation when immunosuppressed. On the setting of hematologic malignancy, the malignancy itself and currently used treatments, especially anti-CD20 agents, have risk of HBV reactivation. Antiviral prophylaxis is recommended by some international societies. We present a case of HBV reactivation more than 12 months after stopping rituximab containing treatment and 6 months of antiviral prophylaxis with entecavir, in a patient with HBV functional cure. The patient was restarted on antivirals and again obtain functional cure. The antiviral was stopped 1 year after seroconversion and the patient followed for another year without evidence of new reactivation. Most literature supports the use of antiviral prophylaxis in patients treated with rituximab. However, there are still conflicting indications and no consensus regarding the duration of prophylaxis. This clinical case and review of the literature supports a longer prophylaxis duration (more than 18 months after finishing rituximab treatments) instead of standard 12 months prophylaxis.