Complications of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for refractory cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest

Abstract

The frequency of using veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation increased, especially in patients with refractory cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest. However, data of complications of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are lacking. This study sought to investigate the incidence of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation complications for acute myocardial infarction patients with refractory cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest and its relationship with patient survival. This study included 151 consecutive patients who underwent veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation between 2006 and 2018 at a single referral center. We divided the patients into those who survived for 30 days after veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (n = 57, 38%; group 1) and those who died within 30 days after veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support (n = 94, 62%; group 2). The major adverse clinical events associated with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were defined as first occurrence of infection, major bleeding, and stroke. Adverse clinical events associated with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation occurred in 34 (59.6%) and 56 (59.6%) patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Group 2 had more patients who underwent new renal replacement therapy (21.1% vs 37.2%, p = 0.037). After multivariable analysis, cardiac arrest was independently associated with 30-day mortality (odds ratio = 3.6; 95% confidence interval = 1.7-7.63; p = 0.001). After excluding patients who died within 48 h after undergoing veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, new renal replacement therapy (odds ratio = 4.47; 95% confidence interval = 1.58-12.61; p = 0.005) and major adverse clinical events (odds ratio = 2.66; 95% confidence interval = 1.01-7.03; p = 0.049) were independently associated with 30-day mortality. Although veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can improve the survival, it is associated with morbidity. Therefore, risk-benefit analysis for veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and prevention of complications are important to improve prognosis.