Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Therapy Research Articles

Comparison of Serial and Parallel Connections of Membrane Lungs against Refractory Hypoxemia in a Mock Circuit.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an important rescue therapy method for the treatment of severe hypoxic lung injury. In some cases, oxygen saturation and oxygen partial pressure in the arterial blood are low despite ECMO therapy. There are case reports in which patients with such instances of refractory hypoxemia received a second membrane lung, either in series or in parallel, to overcome the hypoxemia. It remains unclear whether the parallel or serial connection is more effective. Therefore, we used an improved version of our full-flow ECMO mock circuit to test this. The measurements were performed under conditions in which the membrane lungs were unable to completely oxygenate the blood. As a result, only the photometric pre- and post-oxygenator saturations, blood flow and hemoglobin concentration were required for the calculation of oxygen transfer rates. The results showed that for a pre-oxygenator saturation of 45% and a total blood flow of 10 L/min, the serial connection of two identical 5 L rated oxygenators is 17% more effective in terms of oxygen transfer than the parallel connection. Although the idea of using a second membrane lung if refractory hypoxia occurs is intriguing from a physiological point of view, due to the invasiveness of the solution, further investigations are needed before this should be used in a wider clinical setting.

Update on Anticoagulation Strategies in Patients with ECMO-A Narrative Review.

The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has recently increased exponentially. ECMO has become the preferred mode of organ support in refractory respiratory or circulatory failure. The fragile balance of haemostasis physiology is massively altered by the patient's critical condition and specifically the aetiology of the underlying disease. Furthermore, an application of ECMO conveys another disturbance of haemostasis due to blood-circuit interaction and the presence of an oxygenator. The purpose of this review is to summarise current knowledge on the anticoagulation management in patients undergoing ECMO therapy. The unfractionated heparin modality with monitoring of activated partial thromboplastin tests is considered to be a gold standard for anticoagulation in this specific subgroup of intensive care patients. However, alternative modalities with other agents are comprehensively discussed. Furthermore, other ways of monitoring can represent the actual state of coagulation in a more complex fashion, such as thromboelastometric/graphic methods, and might become more frequent. In conclusion, the coagulation system of patients with ECMO is altered by multiple variables, and there is a significant lack of evidence in this area. Therefore, a highly individualised approach is the best solution today.

Clinical outcomes of hundred large Impella implantations in cardiogenic shock patients based on individual clinical scenarios.

Large Impella systems (5.0 or 5.5; i.e., Impella 5+) (Abiomed Inc., Danvers, MA, USA) help achieve better clinical outcomes through relevant left ventricular unloading in acute cardiogenic shock (CS). Here, we report our experience with Impella 5+, while focusing on the clinical outcomes depending on individual case scenarios in patients with acute CS. This single-center retrospective observational study included 100 Impella 5+ implantations conducted on patients with acute CS from November 2018 to October 2021. After excluding 10 reimplantation cases, 90 cases were enrolled for further analysis. In-hospital and 30-day mortality rates were 56.7% (n = 51) and 48.9% (n = 44), respectively. In-hospital mortality was lower in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) than in non-AMI patients (p = 0.07). Young age and low lactate levels were the independent predictors of successful transition and survival after permanent mechanical circulatory support/heart transplantation (pMCS/HTX) (age, p = 0.03; lactate level, p = 0.04; survived after pMCS/HTX, n = 11; died on Impella, n = 41). During simultaneous utilization of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy and Impella 5+, termed ECMELLA therapy, high dose of noradrenaline was a predictive factor for in-hospital mortality by multivariate analysis (n = 0.02). Our results suggest that enhanced Impella support might have better clinical outcomes among acute CS patients supported with large Impella, those with AMI than those with no AMI. Young age and low lactate levels were predictors of successful bridging to pMCS/HTX and favorable clinical outcomes thereafter. The clinical outcomes of ECMELLA therapy might depend on noradrenaline dose at the time of Impella 5+ implantation.

Computed tomography pulmonary angiogram in a poly-trauma patient undergoing veno venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: our experience in diagnosing pulmonary embolism

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an adapted form of the heart–lung machine that provides cardiopulmonary bypass life support for critically ill patients with acute cardiac and/or respiratory failure who are unresponsive to standard medical and surgical therapies. Although ECMO therapy has advanced significantly, complications like thrombosis and bleeding continue to be substantial, necessitating rapid transport of patients to the radiology suite to reveal crucial findings for further treatment plans or care. Even though the low flow rate for veno-arterial ECMO (VA-ECMO) support during contrast-enhanced CT is well known, the flow rate for veno-venous ECMO support during CT, especially computed tomography pulmonary angiography, is not well understood. Our case emphasizes that CTPA can be performed safely in trauma patients with ECMO runs and any suspected complications during ECMO runs may delay or worsen the clinical prognosis therefore immediate radiological verdicts may reveal significant findings to plan the treatment accordingly. Also, there were no complications associated with our examinations or transport. Our case highlights that VV-ECMO like VA-ECMO induces flow-dependent alterations in the patient’s circulation due to contrast injections, which might lead to an incorrect interpretation of CTPA. However, CTPA is safe, and bringing down the VV-ECMO flow rate of zero with vigilant monitoring of vitals and ventilation support helps radiologists to predict and interpret the contrast flow based on injection and cannula sites in the diagnosing and evaluation of pulmonary embolism patients with acute respiratory failure during ECMO.

Diagnosis and treatment of a child with alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins due to variant of FOXF1 gene

To explore the diagnosis, treatment and genetic characteristics of a neonate with severe pulmonary hypertension and respiratory failure. Perinatal history, clinical manifestations, laboratory finding and diagnosis and treatment data of the child were collected. Whole exome sequencing was carried out for the child, and Sanger sequencing was used to verify the candidate variants. The female neonate has developed progressive respiratory failure and refractory pulmonary hypertension shortly after birth. Conventional treatment such as mechanical ventilation, vasoactive drugs, and inhaled nitric oxide were ineffective. She has developed sustained pulmonary hypertension after weaning from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy, and had died after the treatment had ceased. Whole exome sequencing revealed that she has harbored a heterozygous de novo variant of c.682_683insGCGGCGGC (p.G234Rfs*148) of the FOXF1 gene, which was predicted as pathogenic based on guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), with evidence items of PVS1_Strong+PM2_Supporting+PS2. Based on her clinical manifestations and result of genetic testing, the child was diagnosed with alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of the pulmonary veins (ACD/MPV). Discovery of the c.682_683insGCGGCGGC (p.G234 Rfs*148) variant of the FOXF1 gene has expanded the mutational spectrum of the FOXF1 gene, which has facilitated implementation of specific treatment and provided a basis for clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling.

Bleeding patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation have reduced platelet aggregation and plasma fibrinogen: a longitudinal observational study

This study investigated changes in coagulation and associations with occurrence of bleeding and thrombosis during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy. The study included 100 adult ECMO-patients. Standard coagulation parameters, platelet aggregation and thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) were compared with healthy controls. Data on bleeding and thrombosis were collected until recovery or death. Mortality data were collected 30 days after weaning from ECMO. During ECMO therapy, 53 patients experienced at least one moderate or major bleed. Among these, 42 (79%) patients experienced the first bleeding on day 1 or 2. Platelet aggregation and ROTEM® revealed a hypocoagulable state in ECMO patients when compared with healthy controls. Patients bleeding on day 1 or 2, had lower platelet count (p = 0.04), poorer platelet aggregation and lower levels of fibrinogen (p < 0.01) than patients not bleeding on day 1 or 2. Further, ROTEM® clot propagation was reduced in bleeding patients (p < 0.001). Mortality was higher among bleeding patients than patients not bleeding on day 1 or 2 (67% versus 34%, p < 0.01). Congruity existed between ROTEM® measurements and standard coagulation assays, but plasma fibrinogen had a stronger association with bleeding than ROTEM® measurements. The present study does not support ROTEM® analysis as a routine part of coagulation monitoring during ECMO therapy.

Outcomes of patients with COVID-19 requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and continuous renal replacement therapy in the United States.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Some patients develop severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and kidney failure requiring the combination of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Retrospective cohort study of 127 consecutive patients requiring combined ECMO and CRRT support in intensive care units at an ECMO center in Marietta, GA, United States. Sixty and 67 patients with and without COVID-19, respectively, required ECMO-CRRT support. After adjusting for confounding variables, patients with COVID-19 had increased mortality at 30 days (hazard ratio [HR], 5.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.51-10.7; P<0.001) and 90 days (HR, 6.23; 95% CI, 2.60-14.9; P<0.001). In this retrospective study, patients with COVID-19 who required ECMO-CRRT had increased mortality when compared to patients without COVID-19.

Overcoming Complex Airway Obstruction: Utilizing VV ECMO for Successful Procedure and Post-Operative Management in A Mediastinal Mass Patient

This case report presents a unique application of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) therapy in a 30-year-old female patient with a massive mediastinal mass suspected to be adenocarcinoma. The mass had severely compromised the patient’s airway, making her unable to lie flat. The tumor’s location posed challenges for conventional treatments, and after unsuccessful attempts with chemotherapy, a multidisciplinary decision was made to proceed with tracheal stent placement. During the procedure, VV ECMO was utilised to ensure hemodynamic stability and oxygenation. Subsequently, the patient was transported on ECMO for three consecutive days to another hospital to receive radiotherapy. This report emphasizes the critical role of ECMO in facilitating complex interventions and post-operative management in patients with compromised airways and highlights its potential as a bridge to further treatments.

Prenatal MRI assessment of mediastinal shift angle as a feasible and effective risk stratification tool in isolated right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

To develop a mediastinal shift angle (MSA) measurement method applicable to right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (RCDH) in fetal MRI and to validate the predictive value of MSA in RCDH. Twenty-seven fetuses with isolated RCDH and 53 controls were included in our study. MSA was measured on MRI axial image at the level of four-chamber view of the fetal heart. The angle between the sagittal midline landmark line and the left boundary landmark line touching tangentially the lateral wall of the left ventricle was used to quantify MSA for RCDH. Appropriate statistical analyses were performed to determine whether MSA can be regarded as a valid predictive tool for postnatal outcomes. Furthermore, predictive performance of MSA was compared with that of lung area to head circumference ratio (LHR), observed/expected LHR (O/E LHR), total fetal lung volume (TFLV), and observed/expected TFLV (O/E TFLV). MSA was significantly higher in the RCDH group than in the control group. MSA, LHR, O/E LHR, TFLV, and O/E TFLV were all correlated with postnatal survival, pulmonary hypertension (PH), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy (p < 0.05). Value of the AUC demonstrated good predictive performance of MSA for postnatal survival (0.901, 95%CI: (0.781-1.000)), PH (0.828, 95%CI: (0.661-0.994)), and ECMO therapy (0.813, 95%CI: (0.645-0.980)), which was similar to O/E TFLV but slightly better than TFLV, O/E LHR, and LHR. We developed a measurement method of MSA for RCDH for the first time and demonstrated that MSA could be used to predict postnatal survival, PH, and ECMO therapy in RCDH. Newly developed MRI assessment method of fetal MSA in RCDH offers a simple and effective risk stratification tool for patients with RCDH. • We developed a measurement method of mediastinal shift angle for right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia for the first time and demonstrated its feasibility and reproducibility. • Mediastinal shift angle can predict more prognostic information other than survival in right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia with good performance. • Mediastinal shift angle can be used as a simple and effective risk stratification tool in right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia to improve planning of postnatal management.

Fluid Management in Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Therapy-Analysis of an Experimental Pig Model.

(1) Background: Fluid resuscitation is a necessary part of therapeutic measures to maintain sufficient hemodynamics in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circulation. In a post-hoc analysis, we aimed to investigate the impact of increased volume therapy in veno-arterial ECMO circulation on renal function and organ edema in a large animal model. (2) Methods: ECMO therapy was performed in 12 female pigs (Deutsche Landrasse × Pietrain) for 10 h with subsequent euthanasia. Applicable volume, in regard to the necessary maintenance of hemodynamics, was divided into moderate and extensive volume therapy (MVT/EVT) due to the double quantity of calculated physiologic urine output for the planned study period. Respiratory and hemodynamic data were measured continuously. Additionally, renal function and organ edema were assessed by blood and tissue samples. (3) Results: Four pigs received MVT, and eight pigs received EVT. After 10 h of ECMO circulation, no major differences were seen between the groups in regard to hemodynamic and respiratory data. The relative change in creatinine after 10 h of ECMO support was significantly higher in EVT (1.3 ± 0.3 MVT vs. 1.8 ± 0.5 EVT; p = 0.033). No major differences were evident for lung, heart, liver, and kidney samples in regard to organ edema in comparison of EVT and MVT. Bowel tissue showed a higher percentage of edema in EVT compared to MVT (77 ± 2% MVT vs. 80 ± 3% EVT; p = 0.049). (4) Conclusions: The presented data suggest potential deterioration of renal function and intestinal mucosa function by an increase in tissue edema due to volume overload in ECMO therapy.

A Systematic Review of Mortality Rates Among Adult Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Patients Undergoing Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Therapy.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe lung disease associated with a high mortality rate. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-saving therapy for severe ARDS patients who do not respond to conventional treatments. Nevertheless, the optimal management of ARDS patients undergoing ECMO and their mortality rates remain subjects of controversy. Thus, this systematic review aims to assess mortality rates in ARDS patients on ECMO and identify associated factors. The review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, PubMed Central (PMC), Medline, and Embase. In accordance with our inclusion and exclusion criteria, filters, and key terms, we proceeded to screen the articles. After assessing the relevance of each article to our topic, further screening was carried out. Quality assessment of the articles was conducted, resulting in the inclusion of a total of 12 articles for the review. The primary outcome focused on mortality rates among ARDS patients undergoing ECMO. Secondary outcomes explored potential contributors to mortality, including patient age, underlying cause of ARDS, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores at the initiation of ECMO. Mortality rates exhibited significant variation, ranging from 22% to 62.6%. Several factors emerged as potential predictors of mortality, encompassing patient age, comorbidities, complications during ECMO therapy, and treatment-related variables. This systematic review offers valuable insights into the intricate factors influencing mortality rates among ARDS patients on ECMO. A comprehension of these factors is essential to steer clinical practice and enhance patient outcomes. While ECMO serves as a restorative avenue for ARDS patients, future research is warranted to further elucidate these complex interactions and refine ECMO therapy protocols.

Predictors of Mortality in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support Patients Following Major Trauma

IntroductionThe usage of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in trauma patients has increased significantly within the past decade. Despite increased research on ECMO application in trauma patients, there remains limited data on factors predicting morbidity and mortality outcome. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to describe patient characteristics that are independently associated with mortality in ECMO therapy in trauma patients, to further guide future research. MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted using the Trauma Quality Improvement Program database from 2010 to 2019. All adult (age ≥ 16 y) trauma patients that utilized ECMO were included. A Significant differences (P < 0.05) in demographic and clinical characteristics between groups were calculated using an independent t-test for normal distributed continuous values, a Mann-Whitney U test for non-normal distributed values, and a Pearson chi-square test for categorical values. A multivariable regression model was used to identify independent predictors for mortality. A survival flow chart was constructed by using the strongest predictive value for mortality and using the optimal cut-off point calculated by the Youden index. ResultsFive hundred forty-two patients were included of whom 205 died. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that the female gender, ECMO within 4 h after presentation, a decreased Glasgow Coma Scale, increased age, units of blood in the first 4 h, and abbreviated injury score for external injuries were independently associated with mortality in ECMO trauma patients. It was found that an external abbreviated injury score of ≥3 had the strongest predictive value for mortality, as patients with this criterion had an overall 29.5% increased risk of death. ConclusionsThere is an ongoing increasing trend in the usage of ECMO in trauma patients. This study has identified multiple factors that are individually associated with mortality. However, more research must be done on the association between mortality and noninjury characteristics like Pao2/Fio2 ratio, acute respiratory distress syndrome classification, etc. that reflect the internal state of the patient.

Expert consensus on prevention and treatment of lower limb ischemia during transfemoral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy in adults in China (2023)

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is an important technique for the treatment of patients with severe circulatory failure, and is used in a wider range. Canulation through the femoral artery is simple and convenient, which has become the most commonly used canulation method of VA-ECMO for adults. Lower limb ischemia is a common complication in transfemoral VA-ECMO therapy, which will seriously affect the prognosis and quality of life of patients. In order to standardize the lower limb ischemia management during VA-ECMO treatment and reduce disability and mortality, Extracorporeal Life Support Professional Committee of Chinese Medical Doctor Association and Extracorporeal Life Support Professional Committee of Shandong Physician Association organized multidisciplinary medical experts with ECMO proficiency from China to develop the Expert consensus on prevention and treatment of lower limb ischemia during transfemoral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy in adults in China (2023), based on literature review and their clinical practice experience. This consensus is expected to provide valuable reference for the prevention, monitoring and treatment of lower limb ischemia during femoral artery VA-ECMO treatment.

Maternal-Fetal Results of COVID-19-Infected Pregnant Women Treated with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Descriptive Report.

COVID-19 infection may produce severe pneumonia, mainly in the adult population. Pregnant women with severe pneumonia are at high risk of developing complications, and conventional therapy sometimes fails to reverse hypoxemia. Therefore, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an option in cases with refractory hypoxemic respiratory failure. This study aims to evaluate the maternal-fetal risk factors, clinical characteristics, complications, and outcomes of 11 pregnant or peripartum patients with COVID-19 treated with ECMO. This is a retrospective descriptive study of 11 pregnant women undergoing ECMO therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic. In our cohort, four patients underwent ECMO during pregnancy (36.3%) and 7 during the postpartum period. Initially, they started on venovenous ECMO, and three patients were required to change modality due to clinical conditions. In total, 4/11 pregnant women (36.3%) died. We established two periods that differed in the implementation of a standardized care model for reducing associated morbidities and mortality. Neurological complications were responsible for most deaths. Regarding fetal outcomes at early-stage pregnancies on ECMO (4), we report three stillbirths (75%), and one newborn (twin pregnancy) survived and had a favorable evolution. At later-stage pregnancies, all newborns survived, and we did not identify any vertical infection. ECMO therapy is an alternative for pregnant women with severe hypoxemic respiratory failure due to COVID-19, and may improve maternal and neonatal results. Regarding fetal outcomes, the gestational age played a definitive role. However, the main complications reported in our series and others are neurological. It is essential to develop novel, future interventions to prevent these complications.

Acquired Factor XIII Deficiency Is Common during ECMO Therapy and Associated with Major Bleeding Events and Transfusion Requirements.

Bleeding events are frequent complications during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy (ECMO). To determine the rate of acquired factor XIII deficiency and its association with major bleeding events and transfusion requirements in adults undergoing ECMO therapy. A retrospective single centre cohort study. Adult patients receiving veno-venous or veno-arterial ECMO therapy during a 2-year period were analysed and screened for factor XIII activity measurements. Factor XIII deficiency was defined based on the lowest factor XIII activity measured during ECMO therapy. Among 84 subjects included into the analysis, factor XIII deficiency occurred in 69% during ECMO therapy. There were more major bleeding events (OR, 3.37; 95% CI, 1.16-10.56; p = 0.02) and higher transfusion requirements (red blood cells, 20 vs. 12, p < 0.001; platelets, 4 vs. 2, p = 0.006) in patients with factor XIII deficiency compared to patients with normal factor XIII activity. In a multivariate regression model, factor XIII deficiency was independently associated with bleeding severity (p = 0.03). In this retrospective single centre study, acquired factor XIII deficiency was observed in 69% of adult ECMO patients with a high bleeding risk. Factor XIII deficiency was associated with higher rates of major bleeding events and transfusion requirements.

Impact of Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Blood Purification Therapy on Early Mobilization in the Intensive Care Unit: Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective: To investigate the effect on early mobilization in patients undergoing extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and acute blood purification therapy in the intensive care unit (ICU).Methods: We conducted this multicenter retrospective cohort study by collecting data from six ICUs in Japan. Consecutive patients who were admitted to the ICU, aged ≥18 years, and received mechanical ventilation for &gt;48 hours were eligible. The analyzed were divided into two groups: ECMO/blood purification or control group. Clinical outcomes; time to first mobilization, number of total ICU rehabilitations, mean and highest ICU mobility scale (IMS); and daily barrier changes were also investigated.Results: A total of 204 patients were included in the analysis, 43 in the ECMO/blood purification group and 161 in the control group. In comparison of clinical outcome, the ECMO/blood purification group had a significantly longer time to first mobilization: ECMO/blood purification group 6 vs. control group 4 (p=0.003), higher number of total ICU rehabilitations: 6 vs. 5 (p=0.042), lower mean: 0 vs. 1 (p=0.043) and highest IMS: 2 vs. 3 (p=0.039) during ICU stay. Circulatory factor were most frequently described as barriers to early mobilization on days 1 (51%), 2 (47%), and 3 (26%). On days 4 to 7, the most frequently described barrier was consciousness factors (21%, 16%, 19%, and 21%, respectively)Conclusion: The results of this study comparing the ECMO/blood purification group and the untreated group in the ICU showed that the ECMO/blood purification group had significantly longer days to mobilization and significantly lower mean and highest IMS.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation to Support COVID-19 Patients: A Propensity-Matched Cohort Study.

In patients with severe respiratory failure from COVID-19, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment can facilitate lung-protective ventilation and may improve outcome and survival if conventional therapy fails to assure adequate oxygenation and ventilation. We aimed to perform a confirmatory propensity-matched cohort study comparing the impact of ECMO and maximum invasive mechanical ventilation alone (MVA) on mortality and complications in severe COVID-19 pneumonia. All 295 consecutive adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) from March 13th, 2020, to July 31st, 2021 were included. At admission, all patients were classified into 3 categories: (1) full code including the initiation of ECMO therapy (AAA code), (2) full code excluding ECMO (AA code), and (3) do-not-intubate (A code). For the 271 non-ECMO patients, match eligibility was determined for all patients with the AAA code treated with MVA. Propensity score matching was performed using a logistic regression model including the following variables: gender, P/F ratio, SOFA score at admission, and date of ICU admission. The primary endpoint was ICU mortality. A total of 24 ECMO patients were propensity matched to an equal number of MVA patients. ICU mortality was significantly higher in the ECMO arm (45.8%) compared with the MVA cohort (16.67%) (OR 4.23 (1.11, 16.17); p=0.02). Three-month mortality was 50% with ECMO compared to 16.67% after MVA (OR 5.91 (1.55, 22.58); p < 0.01). Applied peak inspiratory pressures (33.42 ± 8.52 vs. 24.74 ± 4.86 mmHg; p < 0.01) and maximal PEEP levels (14.47 ± 3.22 vs. 13.52 ± 3.86 mmHg; p=0.01) were higher with MVA. ICU length of stay (LOS) and hospital LOS were comparable in both groups. ECMO therapy may be associated with an up to a three-fold increase in ICU mortality and 3-month mortality compared to MVA despite the facilitation of lung-protective ventilation settings in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients. We cannot confirm the positive results of the first propensity-matched cohort study on this topic. This trial is registered with NCT05158816.

COVID-19 vaccination-related myocarditis: a Korean nationwide study.

A comprehensive nationwide study on the incidence and outcomes of COVID-19 vaccination-related myocarditis (VRM) is in need. Among 44 276 704 individuals with at least 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccination, the incidence and clinical courses of VRM cases confirmed by the Expert Adjudication Committee of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency were analyzed. COVID-19 VRM was confirmed in 480 cases (1.08 cases per 100 000 persons). Vaccination-related myocarditis incidence was significantly higher in men than in women (1.35 vs. 0.82 per 100 000 persons, P < 0.001) and in mRNA vaccines than in other vaccines (1.46 vs. 0.14 per 100 000 persons, P < 0.001). Vaccination-related myocarditis incidence was highest in males between the ages of 12 and 17 years (5.29 cases per 100 000 persons) and lowest in females over 70 years (0.16 cases per 100 000 persons). Severe VRM was identified in 95 cases (19.8% of total VRM, 0.22 per 100 000 vaccinated persons), 85 intensive care unit admission (17.7%), 36 fulminant myocarditis (7.5%), 21 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy (4.4%), 21 deaths (4.4%), and 1 heart transplantation (0.2%). Eight out of 21 deaths were sudden cardiac death (SCD) attributable to VRM proved by an autopsy, and all cases of SCD attributable to VRM were aged under 45 years and received mRNA vaccines. Although COVID-19 VRM was rare and showed relatively favorable clinical courses, severe VRM was found in 19.8% of all VRM cases. Moreover, SCD should be closely monitored as a potentially fatal complication of COVID-19 vaccination.

PULM2: Combining Extracorporeal Lung and Kidney Support: Evaluation of Fibre Configurations on Gas Exchange Preservation for the Development of a Novel Highly Integrated Device (RenOx)

Background: Combined lung and kidney dysfunction are frequent in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients affecting up to 70% of them. Current treatment relies on the use of two separate circuits combining ECMO and renal replacement therapy, increasing infection risks and the use of artificial surfaces. Therefore, we aim to develop a novel artificial lung that integrates lung and kidney support in a single device combining oxygenation and hemodialysis fibers. Thus, we analyzed how many oxygenation fibers could be substituted by hemodialysis fibers while still maintaining 90% of the oxygenator’s gas exchange capacity and the effect fiber configuration has on oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) transfer. Methods: Fiber bundles were composed of oxygenation fiber mats (Oxyplus™ 90/200, 3M) stacked perpendicularly at a 90° angle and/or crossed at a 24° angle on top of each other. We manufactured bundles with all oxygenation fibers open and bundles with oxygenation fibers closed in a way that they could not contribute to gas exchange, simulating hemodialysis fibers. Bundles in perpendicular configuration had 100% of fibers open (Oxy100P), 50% of fibers closed (Oxy50P), or 25% of fibers closed (Oxy75P), Figure 1. Bundles in crossed configuration had all fibers open (Oxy100C) or 33% of fibers closed (Oxy67C). Bundles were tested for gas exchange performance following in-vitro blood tests according to ISO 7199:2016. Results: Our results show that bundles with 25% of oxygenation fibers closed in perpendicular configuration were able to still maintain 90% of the O2 exchange and 80% of the CO2 exchange capacity of our oxygenator. Bundles with 25% oxygenation fibers closed had no statistically significant difference in O2 or CO2 transfer compared to a fully open oxygenator with the same fiber configuration, Figure 2. Additionally, Oxy75P bundles were able to keep O2 delivery above 55 mL/LBlood flow and CO2 removal above 52 mL/LBlood flow up to 140 mL/min. Fiber configuration did not affect gas exchange for fully open bundles, however, configuration significantly influenced O2 and CO2 exchange for bundles with closed fiber layers. Closing fibers in perpendicular configuration resulted in a lower decrease in gas transfer. Below 140 mL/min, this was demonstrated by a similar decrease in O2 transfer of 20% when 50% of perpendicular fibers or 33% of crossed fibers were closed Conclusions: We analyzed the effect of replacing oxygenation fibers with hemodialysis fibers on gas exchange efficiency. Our results demonstrate that 25% of oxygenation fibers in a perpendicular configuration could be replaced by hemodialysis fibers while still maintaining 90% of the O2 exchange of our oxygenator. Moreover, this type of bundle kept O2 delivery above 55 mL/LBlood flow up to 140 mL/min. This shows that gas exchange can be preserved to a desirable extent when oxygenation fiber layers are replaced. This is a step towards combining lung and kidney support in a single device.Figure 1. Illustration of a device combining extracorporeal lung and kidney support. Oxygen flows through the lumen of oxygenation fibers and dialysate flows inside hemodialysis fibers. In this work, fiber bundles were manufactured with a perpendicular and/or crossed configuration having a varying number of oxygenation fiber layers closed, simulating hemodialysis fibers (open fibers in white and closed fibers in blue). Perpendicular bundles had 50% of fibers closed (Oxy50P), 25% of fibers closed (Oxy75P), or 100% of fibers open (Oxy100P), while crossed bundles had 33% of fibers closed (Oxy67C), or all fibers open (Oxy100C).Figure 2. Oxygen exchange performance mL/LBlood flow ± standard deviation from the mean (n = 10) for bundles with different fiber configurations. We found no statistically significant difference in mean oxygen exchange between Oxy75P and the fully open oxygenator Oxy100P (ANOVA p > 0.38).

Cefiderocol Treatment for Severe Infections due to Difficult-to-Treat-Resistant Non-Fermentative Gram-Negative Bacilli in ICU Patients: A Case Series and Narrative Literature Review.

Cefiderocol (FDC) is a siderophore cephalosporin now recognized as a new weapon in the treatment of difficult-to-treat-resistant (DTR) Gram-negative pathogens, including carbapenemase-producing enterobacterales and non-fermentative Gram-negative bacilli (GNB). This article reports our experience with an FDC-based regimen in the treatment of 16 extremely severe patients (invasive mechanical ventilation, 15/16; extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, 9/16; and renal replacement therapy, 8/16) infected with DTR GNB. Our case series provides detailed insight into the pharmacokinetic profile and the microbiological data in real-life conditions. In the narrative review, we discuss the interest of FDC in the treatment of non-fermentative GNB in critically ill patients. We reviewed the microbiological spectrum, resistance mechanisms, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, efficacy and safety profiles, and real-world evidence for FDC. On the basis of our experience and the available literature, we discuss the optimal FDC-based regimen, FDC dosage, and duration of therapy in critically ill patients with DTR non-fermentative GNB infections.