Neonatal Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Associations between Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy, Thrombocytopenia, and Outcomes

Abstract

Plain Language SummaryHeart and lung life support, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), is a form of life support that can be utilized in critically ill neonates. Continuous dialysis, or continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), can be used in conjunction with ECMO to help support and supplement kidney function. The frequency of low platelet counts in neonates receiving ECMO with and without concurrent CRRT and associated outcomes have not been well described in the literature. The primary aims of the current study were to (1) characterize low platelet counts in neonates receiving ECMO (including those treated concurrently with CRRT) and (2) evaluate risk factors (including CRRT utilization) associated with low platelets. In our study, CRRT use during ECMO was associated with severely low platelet counts. Exploratory analysis suggests CRRT use, birthweight, and intensive care unit location are all predictors of interest for low platelet counts and worthy of further investigations in larger studies.