Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation application in post‐partum hemorrhage patients: Is post‐partum hemorrhage contraindicated?

Abstract

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is commonly used in patients who experience circulatory arrest or significant cardiac dysfunction and is associated with improved clinical outcomes. We conducted a retrospective observational study on ECMO application at a single tertiary center over a five-year period. Five patients who suffered post-partum hemorrhage resulting from uterine atony were treated with ECMO. The mean age was 36.8±3.9years; the mean gestational age was 37.8±2.2weeks; the initial mean maternal hemoglobin level was 5.0±2.4mg/dL; and the mean estimated blood loss was 3260±1545mL before treatment. All patients were treated with venoarterial ECMO and one was treated with both venoarterial and venovenous ECMO. The mean ECMO usage duration was 32.6±18.8 h (range 10-54). Four (80%) patients survived until discharge without experiencing neurological sequela. ECMO should not be a contraindication for treatment of post-partum hemorrhage and such patients should be weaned as soon as possible to ensure the early recovery of cardiac function.