Denis Protsenko, the chief physician of the hospital in Kommunarka, spoke about the condition of the Olympic champion Roman Kostomarov. The athlete was hospitalized with pneumonia on 10 January and transferred a few days later to Kommunarka, where intensive treatment continued. The situation of the figure skater remained extremely unstable: against the background of complications, she had several surgeries to amputate her limbs.
According to Protsenko, Kostomarov’s lungs were affected by a viral and bacterial infection, and it soon became clear that he could not do without artificial lung ventilation (ALV). And a little later it became clear that necrosis would be inevitable – the death of tissues.
“Bacteria detected at the time of application were already giving us signals that the course of the disease would be very difficult with necrosis and necrotic damage in subcutaneous tissues and muscles. An hour later, it was clear that it would not be possible to cope here without more intensive treatment methods. What could be more intense? This is extracorporeal membrane oxygenation of the lungs (ECMO – artificial blood oxygen saturation. – socialbites.ca).
The damage to the lung tissue was complete – even mechanical ventilation did not allow us to maintain the oxygen level at a sufficient level ”
Protsenko said in an interview “Aif”.
The doctor emphasized that one of the Moscow ECMO centers is located in Kommunarka, where doctors and nurses with very high qualifications work. He pointed out that the two-year coronavirus pandemic has given these experts vast experience in dealing with similar cases.
Speaking about Kostomarov’s condition after he was admitted to the clinic, Protsenko noted that Roman’s chances of survival were minimal according to clinical and laboratory parameters. And it was clear that treatment methods could lead to complications that would later require surgical intervention. However, the expert emphasizes that it is “the only chance to save” the famous athlete.
The current state of the skater does not allow for far-reaching predictions. At the same time, Kostomarov is breathing on his own, the body is gradually recovering.
“In the last 48 hours, organ dysfunction has started to improve. Kidney function is starting to improve.
Despite the severe multi-organ failure with complete anuria – the absence of urinary function of the kidneys. There were problems with the lungs, the work of the heart. “With such a serious infection, there are almost no organs that would not be involved in this process,” Protsenko said.
The doctor expressed his hope that the dynamics would continue, but stressed that it was impossible to predict. According to him, although there are improvements, the situation can change at any time. It is stated that all medical decisions are made in coordination with Roman himself and his family.
The athlete’s wife, Oksana Domnina, who is also an outstanding figure skater, said that she is constantly in the hospital. He urged journalists not to publish false information. Domnina promised to tell everything herself when Roman’s time came.
“When the novel gets better – and it will definitely happen! – and she will find the strength to talk about her experiences, she will surely tell everything herself.
Let’s let the doctors work in peace and wish Roman a speedy recovery,” said Domnina.
He also called the rumors that the athlete’s mother was not allowed to visit him at the hospital as lies. Domnina explained that she and Roman’s brother decided that it would be better not to come to the clinic, so as not to see Valentina Kostomarova’s son in such a situation – she is very worried about this. But Domnina emphasized that no one can forbid her anything.
He explained that he has now decided to reveal some details due to too much information in the press, which is not true but worries his loved ones a lot. According to Oksana, initially the only symptom of her husband’s illness was a mild cough. It didn’t seem strange then – Domnina explained that skaters often perform without feeling well.
On December 30, he admitted that he was lying at 39 temp and performing the next day, which is normal for skaters.
When Kostomarov’s condition worsened, the doctors convened a council and came to disappointing conclusions about the possible consequences. Domnina stated that Roman’s family was informed of what might happen.
“My husband was in a very difficult, difficult situation, all indicators went off the scale, these were actually numbers with which they did not live and could not survive.
And my husband was reborn, and now it is a great miracle that he is among us, and the virtue of doctors and great happiness, and this is the most important thing for us, ”Domnina concluded.