Neonatal ECMO survivors: The late emergence of hidden morbidities – An unmet need for long-term follow-up

Abstract

Since the initiation of Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) Registry in 1989, more than 47,000 neonates treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) have been registered worldwide with an overall survival rate of 65% to transfer or hospital discharge [1]. A brief overview of the last 5-year ELSO Registry data reveals an important shift in the indication for neonatal ECMO (Fig. 1A and B) with a notable increase in neonatal cardiac ECMO (44%–52%, respectively) [1].