British COVID-19 patient’s lung functions better
(VOVWORLD) - A British patient suffering from the novel coronavirus saw improvements in his lung functions on Friday, therefore reducing his reliance on the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine (ECMO) as steps are taken for the patient to gradually breathe by himself, according to the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases.
Dr. Nguyen Van Vinh Chau, Director of the Hospital, said the health condition of the 43-year-old British pilot’s lung ultrasound scans reveal that his left lung is no longer filled with air whilst the volume of air in both lungs has enjoyed a significant improvement in recent days.
The patient is continuing to test negative for the SARs-CoV-2 virus, after producing seven consecutive negative tests since May 7.
The Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases are now preparing plans to transfer the patient to Cho Ray Hospital to undergo further treatment.
The patient has reportedly been experiencing cytokine storms, an overreaction of the immune system that leads to blood clots occurring in both of his lungs, resulting in the patient’s lungs having a 90% reduced capacity at some points in his treatment.