Initiation Of Extracorporeal Life Support Research Articles

Scrutinizing the Role of Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Has Clinical Practice Outpaced the Evidence?

The use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) for temporary mechanical circulatory support in various clinical scenarios has been increasing consistently, despite the lack of sufficient evidence regarding its benefit and safety from adequately powered randomized controlled trials. Although the ARREST trial (Advanced Reperfusion Strategies for Patients with Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest and Refractory Ventricular Fibrillation) and a secondary analysis of the PRAGUE OHCA trial (Prague Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest) provided some evidence in favor of VA-ECMO in the setting of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, the INCEPTION trial (Early Initiation of Extracorporeal Life Support in Refractory Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest) has not found a relevant improvement of short-term mortality with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In addition, the results of the recently published ECLS-SHOCK trial (Extracorporeal Life Support in Cardiogenic Shock) and ECMO-CS trial (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in the Therapy of Cardiogenic Shock) discourage the routine use of VA-ECMO in patients with infarct-related cardiogenic shock. Ongoing clinical trials (ANCHOR [Assessment of ECMO in Acute Myocardial Infarction Cardiogenic Shock, NCT04184635], REVERSE [Impella CP With VA ECMO for Cardiogenic Shock, NCT03431467], UNLOAD ECMO [Left Ventricular Unloading to Improve Outcome in Cardiogenic Shock Patients on VA-ECMO, NCT05577195], PIONEER [Hemodynamic Support With ECMO and IABP in Elective Complex High-risk PCI, NCT04045873]) may clarify the usefulness of VA-ECMO in specific patient subpopulations and the efficacy of combined mechanical circulatory support strategies. Pending further data to refine patient selection and management recommendations for VA-ECMO, it remains uncertain whether the present usage of this device improves outcomes.

Association between enteral feeding and gastrointestinal complications in children receiving extracorporeal life support: A retrospective cohort study.

Extracorporeal life support is an accepted treatment modality for children with severe cardiac and/or respiratory dysfunction. However, after a period of inadequate gut perfusion clinicians are often reluctant to initiate enteral nutrition. A retrospective cohort study in a single large pediatric intensive care unit in Northwest England over 5.5 years (2017 - 2022). 156 children were included with a median age of two months (IQR 0.3 - 15) and a mean weight for age score of -1.50 (SD 1.7). Indications for extracorporeal life support were respiratory failure (31%); cardiac arrest (28%); low cardiac output state (27%) and unable to separate from cardiopulmonary bypass (12%). Most (75%) children were fed during extracorporeal life support, with the median time to initiate feeding 24 hours (IQR 12.2 - 42.7). More Gastrointestinal complications were associated with being enterally fed 86% vs 14% (p=<0.001), but these were predominantly feed intolerance (46%), and this was associated with receiving formula feeds compared to maternal (breast) milk (p=<0.001). Overall children's median energy target achievement by 72 hours was 38% (IQR 10.7 -76%) but this varied by support indication. Our findings suggest most children tolerated enteral feeding within 24 hours after extracorporeal life support initiation, with only mild gastrointestinal complications. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Infants: Outcomes and Predictors of Mortality

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (E-CPR) plays an indispensable role when resuscitation fails; however, extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in infants is different from that in adults. The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of E-CPR in infants. A single-center retrospective study was conducted, analyzing 51 consecutive patients (age <1 year) who received E-CPR for in-hospital cardiac arrest between 2010 and 2021. The median age and body weight was 51 days (interquartile range [IQR], 17-111 days) and 3.4 kg (IQR, 2.9-5.1 kg), respectively. The cause of arrest was cardiogenic in 45 patients (88.2%), and 48 patients (94.1%) had congenital cardiac anomalies. The median conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (C-CPR) time before the initiation of ECLS was 77 minutes (IQR, 61-103 minutes) and duration of ECLS was 7 days (IQR, 3-12 days). There were 36 in-hospital deaths (70.6%), and another patient survived after heart transplantation. In the multivariate analysis, single-ventricular physiology (odds ratio [OR], 5.05; p=0.048), open sternum status (OR, 8.69; p=0.013), and C-CPR time (OR, 1.47 per 10 minutes; p=0.021) were significant predictors of in-hospital mortality. In a receiver operating characteristic curve, the optimal cut-off of C-CPR time was 70.5 minutes. The subgroup with early E-CPR (C-CPR time <70.5 minutes) showed a tendency for lower in-hospital mortality tendency (54.5% vs. 82.8%, p=0.060), albeit not statistically significant. If resuscitation fails in an infant, E-CPR could be a life-saving option. It is crucial to improve C-CPR quality and shorten the time before ECLS initiation.

The Role of Shunt Occlusion During Extracorporeal Life Support.

The current recommendation for systemic to pulmonary artery shunt (SPS) patients requiring extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is to keep the shunt open, maintaining a higher pump flow. The practice in our center is to totally occlude the shunt while on ECLS, and we are presenting the outcome of this strategy. This is a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent SPS for cyanotic congenital heart disease with decreased pulmonary blood flow and required postoperative ECLS between January 2016 and December 2020. ECLS indication was excessive pulmonary blood flow, leading to either refractory low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) or cardiac arrest. All patients had their shunts totally occluded soon after ECLS establishment. Of the 27 SPS patients who needed postoperative ECLS (13 refractory LCOS, 14 extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation), wherein the strategy of occluding the shunt on ECLS initiation was followed, 16 (59.3 %) survived ECLS weaning and eight (29.6%) survived to discharge. Increased flow to maintain systemic circulation for a SPS patient while on ECLS is an accepted strategy, but it should not be applied universally. A large subset of SPS patients, who require ECLS either due to cardiac arrest or refractory LCOS due to excessive pulmonary flow, might benefit from complete occlusion of the shunt soon after commencement of ECLS, especially in cases with frank pulmonary edema or haemorrhage in the pre-ECLS period. A prospective randomized trial could be ethically justified for the subset of patients receiving ECLS for the indication of excessive pulmonary blood flow.

Factor XII Silencing Using siRNA Prevents Thrombus Formation in a Rat Model of Extracorporeal Life Support.

Heparin anticoagulation increases the bleeding risk during extracorporeal life support (ECLS). This study determined whether factor XII (FXII) silencing using short interfering RNA (siRNA) can provide ECLS circuit anticoagulation without bleeding. Adult male, Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to four groups (n = 3 each) based on anticoagulant: (1) no anticoagulant, (2) heparin, (3) FXII siRNA, or (4) nontargeting siRNA. Heparin was administered intravenously before and during ECLS. FXII or nontargeting siRNA were administered intravenously 3 days before the initiation of ECLS via lipidoid nanoparticles. The rats were placed on pumped, arteriovenous ECLS for 8 hours or until the blood flow resistance reached three times its baseline resistance. Without anticoagulant, mock-oxygenator resistance tripled within 7 ± 2 minutes. The resistance in the FXII siRNA group did not increase for 8 hours. There were no significant differences in resistance or mock-oxygenator thrombus volume between the FXII siRNA and the heparin groups. However, the bleeding time in the FXII siRNA group (3.4 ± 0.6 minutes) was significantly shorter than that in the heparin group (5.5 ± 0.5 minutes, p < 0.05). FXII silencing using siRNA provided simpler anticoagulation of ECLS circuits with reduced bleeding time as compared to heparin. http://links.lww.com/ASAIO/A937.

Discordance among assays for monitoring? Anticoagulation during extracorporeal life support.

The optimal method for monitoring of anticoagulation in patients on extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is unknown. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between anti-factor Xa level (anti-Xa; IU/mL) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT; seconds) for monitoring intravenous unfractionated heparin anticoagulation in adult ECLS patients. Charts of all adult patients cannulated for ECLS from 2015 through 2017 were reviewed and laboratory and heparin infusion data were extracted for analysis. Time matched pairs of anti-Xa and aPTT were considered concordant if both laboratory values were within the same clinically utilized range. A hierarchical logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with discordance while accounting for patient level effects. A total of 1016 paired anti-Xa and aPTT values from 65 patients were evaluated. 500 (49.2%) paired samples were discordant with a degree of variability on linear regression (r2 = 0.315). The aPTT fell into a higher therapeutic range compared to the anti-Xa in 31.6% and lower in 17.3%. Logistic regression demonstrated that discordance was independently associated with time from initiation of ECLS (OR 1.17 per day, p < 0.001), average heparin infusion rate (OR 1.25 per U/kg/hr, p < 0.001), and INR (OR 3.22, p < 0.001). Nearly half of all aPTT and anti-Xa values were in discordant ranges and discordance is more likely as the time on ECLS and the INR level increase. The use of either assay in isolation to guide heparin anticoagulation may lead to misestimation of the degree of anticoagulation in complex ECLS patients.

Association of Ventilator Settings With Mortality in Pediatric Patients Treated With Extracorporeal Life Support for Respiratory Failure.

Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is a treatment for acute respiratory failure that can provide extracorporeal gas exchange, allowing lung rest. However, while most patients remain mechanically ventilated during ECLS, there is a paucity of evidence to guide the choice of ventilator settings. We studied the associations between ventilator settings 24 hours after ECLS initiation and mortality in pediatric patients using a retrospective analysis of data from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry. 3497 patients, 29 days to 18 years of age, treated with ECLS for respiratory failure between 2015 and 2021, were included for analysis. 93.3% of patients on ECLS were ventilated with conventional mechanical ventilation. Common settings included positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 10 cm H 2 O (45.7%), delta pressure (ΔP) of 10 cm H 2 O (28.3%), rate of 10-14 breaths per minute (55.9%), and fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO 2 ) of 0.31-0.4 (30.3%). In a multivariate model, PEEP >10 cm H 2 O ( versus PEEP < 8 cm H 2 O, odds ratio [OR]: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.20-1.96) and FiO 2 ≥0.45 ( versus FiO 2 < 0.4; 0.45 ≤ FiO 2 < 0.6, OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.03-1.67 and FiO 2 ≥ 0.6, OR: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.81-2.93) were associated with higher odds of mortality. In a secondary analysis of survivors, PEEP 8-10 cm H 2 O was associated with shorter ECLS run times ( versus PEEP < 8 cm H 2 O, coefficient: -1.64, 95% CI: -3.17 to -0.11), as was ΔP >16 cm H 2 O ( versus ΔP < 10 cm H 2 O, coefficient: -2.72, 95% CI: -4.30 to -1.15). Our results identified several categories of ventilator settings as associated with mortality or ECLS run-time. Further studies are necessary to understand whether these results represent a causal relationship.

P0215 / #363: CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY PEDIATRIC ECLS TRANSPORT IN WESTERN CANADA

Aims & Objectives: To describe extracorporeal life support (ECLS) transport by the Stollery Children’s Hospital Pediatric Transport Team (SCH-PTT) and to compare outcomes and complications of primary and secondary transports. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of all children transported on ECLS by the SCH-PTT between 2004-2018. We compared Primary (SCH- PTT performed ECLS cannulation and transport) vs. Secondary (cannulation performed by referring facility) transports, and those with and without an establish ECLS cannulation program (EECP). Results: SCH-PTT performed 68 ECLS transports during the study period. Median(IQR) age was 1.7(0.2-5) years. Median(IQR) transport distance was 298(298-1,209) kilometers. Indication for ECLS were: cardiac 28(41%), respiratory 26(38%) and sepsis 14(20.6%). Fifty-eight (85%) transports were Secondary. Mean(SD) times from referral call to ECLS-initiation were: Primary transports 7.8(2.9) vs. 2.5(3.5) hours for Secondary transports, p-value < 0.001. Fifty-one (75%) of the cannulations were done by an EECP. There was no significant difference in ECLS survival between Primary 9(90%) and Secondary transports 43(74%), p-value = 0.275. ECLS survival was higher for children cannulated by an EECP: 42(82%) vs. 10(59%), p-value = 0.048. There was no significant difference in hospital survival between Primary 9(90%) and Secondary transports 42(72%), p-value = 0.236. Hospital survival tended to be higher in children cannulated by an EECP: 41(80%) vs. 10(59%), p-value = 0.075. Complications were less frequent after ECLS initiation by EECP, p-value = 0.04. Conclusions: ECLS survival was higher for children cannulated by an EECP. We found no differences between Primary and Secondary transports. An EECP is likely more important than time from referral call to cannulation.

Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Survival After Refractory Cardiac Arrest: Is ECPR Beneficial?

The level of evidence of expert recommendations for starting extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) in refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is low. Therefore, we reported our experience in the field to identify factors associated with hospital mortality. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all consecutive patients treated with ECPR for refractory cardiac arrest without return to spontaneous circulation, regardless of cause, at the Caen University Hospital. Factors associated with hospital mortality were analyzed. Eighty-six patients (i.e., 35 OHCA and 51 IHCA) were included. The overall hospital mortality rate was 81% (i.e., 91% and 75% in the OHCA and IHCA groups, respectively). Factors independently associated with mortality were: sex, age > 44 years, and time from collapse until extracorporeal life support (ECLS) initiation. Interestingly, no-shockable rhythm was not associated with mortality. The receiver operating characteristic-area under the curve values of pH value (0.75 [0.60-0.90]) and time from collapse until ECLS initiation over 61 minutes (0.87 [0.76-0.98]) or 74 minutes (0.90 [0.80-1.00]) for predicting hospital mortality showed good discrimination performance. No-shockable rhythm should not be considered a formal exclusion criterion for ECPR. Time from collapse until ECPR initiation is the cornerstone of success of an ECPR strategy in refractory cardiac arrest.

Extracorporeal Life Support in Postcardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock: A View on Scenario, Outcome, and Risk Factors in 261 Patients.

Weaning failure from cardiopulmonary bypass, postoperative low cardiac output (LCO), and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are common scenarios preceding extracorporeal life support (ECLS) implantation after cardiac surgery. The impact of these scenarios on short- and long-term outcome are not well described. Between March 2006 and December 2018, 261 patients received ECLS support after cardiac surgery. Data of patients with weaning failure (NW), postoperative LCO, and CPR leading to ECLS implantation were retrospectively analyzed regarding outcome. Risk factors for outcome after postcardiotomy ECLS were assessed by uni- or multivariate regression analysis. Median duration of extracorporeal support was 5.5 ± 8.5 days. Overall mortality on ECLS was 39.1%. Scenario analysis revealed weaning failure from cardiopulmonary bypass in 40.6%, postoperative LCO in 24.5%, and postoperative CPR in 34.9% leading to initiation of ECLS. Most common cause of death was refractory LCO (25.3%). Overall follow-up survival was 23.7%. Survival after weaning and during follow-up in all subgroups was 9.2% (CPR), 5.0% (LCO), and 9.6% (NW), respectively. Uni- or multivariate regression analysis revealed age, aortic surgery, and vasopressor medication level on day 1 as risk for death on support, as well as postoperative renal failure, and body mass index (BMI) as risk factors for death during follow-up. Mortality after postcardiotomy ECLS is high. Overall, outcome after CPR, NW, weaning failure and LCO is comparable. Postoperative resuscitation does not negatively affect outcome after postcardiotomy ECLS. Neurological status of ECLS survivors is good.

Upper-body cannulation for midterm mechanical circulatory support: A novel bridging strategy to cardiac retransplantation.

Heart retransplantation remains a controversial issue, due to the overall shortage of donor organs. Many patients put on the waiting list for retransplantation, decompensate rapidly, and do not survive. The use of veno-arterial extracorporeal life support remains an option in such emergency situations as bridge-to-recovery or bridge-to-transplantation therapy. In peripheral femoral configuration, veno-arterial extracorporeal life support improves the patient's condition by relieving low-cardiac output but immobilizes him or her for an uncertain period of time. The upper-body cannulation is an alternative approach, which allows to maintain the patient awake and mobile. We present two cases of midterm circulatory support as a bridge to heart retransplantation, using upper-body cannulation veno-arterial extracorporeal life support. Two male patients, presenting with progressive cardiac decompensation due to severe graft rejection, were placed on upper-body veno-arterial extracorporeal life support. The stabilization of hemodynamics and improvement of end-organ perfusion could be achieved after extracorporeal life support initiation. After 48 and 40 days, respectively, on extracorporeal life support with active physical therapy and no major adverse events, both patients received a cardiac retransplantation and were eventually discharged home. The presented cases are the first reported where a successful cardiac retransplant was performed following prolonged upper-body extracorporeal life support.

Prognostic Value of Blood Lactate and Base Deficit in Refractory Cardiac Arrest Cases Undergoing Extracorporeal Life Support.

Cardiac arrest (CA) resuscitation is associated with an 'ischaemia-reperfusion' syndrome characterised by lactic acidosis as assessed by lactate and base deficit (BD). Both biomarkers are usually measured in patients suffering from refractory CA (RCA) subjected to extracorporeal life support (ECLS) to evaluate tissue reperfusion. However, their prognostic value has never been compared. The aim of the present study was to compare the prognostic value of both biomarkers measured at 0 and 3 h after the initiation of ECLS in patients with RCA on mortality. Patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit with RCA were consecutively included in the study. Sixty-six patients were included. Lactate correlated with BD (R2=0.44, p<0.001). An area under the curve of 0.72 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59-0.84) was found for lactate and of 0.60 (95% CI 0.46-0.73) for BD. Using multivariable logistic regression, lactate (odds ratio (OR) 1.22, 95% CI 1.03-1.48) remained associated with mortality on day 28, but not BD (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.86-1.14). We report a difference in the prognostic value of lactate and BD on mortality. Three hours from the initiation of ECLS in patients with RCA, lactate should be preferred to BD to predict the efficiency of ECLS.

Cardioprotective Effects of Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor Immunomodulator FTY720 in a Clinically Relevant Model of Cardioplegic Arrest and Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

Objective: FTY720, an immunomodulator derived from sphingosine-1-phosphate, has recently demonstrated its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, FTY720 might be a key pharmacological target for preconditioning. In this preclinical model, we have investigated the effects of FTY720 on myocardium during reperfusion in an experimental model of cardioplegic arrest (CPA) and cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: 30 Sprague–Dawley rats (300–350 g) were randomized into two groups: Group-A, treated with FTY720 1 mg/kg via intravenous cannulation, and Group-B, as control. After 15 min of treatment, rats underwent CPA for 30 min followed by initiation of extracorporeal life support for 2 h. Support weaning was done, and blood and myocardial tissues were collected for analysis. Hemodynamic parameters, inflammatory mediators, nitro-oxidative stress, neutrophil infiltration, immunoblotting analysis, and immunohistochemical staining were analyzed and compared between groups. Results: FTY720 treatment activated the Akt/Erk1/2 signaling pathways, reduced the level of inflammatory mediators, activated antiapoptotic proteins, and inhibited proapoptotic proteins, leading to reduced nitro-oxidative stress and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Moreover, significant preservation of high-energy phosphates were observed in the FTY720-treated group. This resulted in improved recovery of left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions. Conclusion: The cardioprotective mechanism in CPA is associated with activation of prosurvival cell signaling pathways that prevents myocardial damage. FTY720 preserves high-energy phosphates attenuates myocardial inflammation and oxidative stress, and improves cardiac function.

Outcomes of early versus delayed initiation of extracorporeal life support in cardiac surgery

BackgroundExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation offers temporary hemodynamic support for patients with refractory cardiogenic shock after cardiovascular surgery. However, the initiation time for such patients is controversial. Changing the initiation time might improve the outcomes. This study aimed to investigate whether early extracorporeal membrane oxygenation could improve postoperative outcomes in patients at a high risk of cardiogenic shock.MethodsIn this retrospective study, 173 patients with cardiovascular diseases at a high risk of refractory cardiogenic shock which assessed via empirical risk evaluation from 2010 to 2017 were included. After propensity matching, 36 patients, who were matched to patients initiated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after cardiovascular operation (delayed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation group, n = 36), were also initiated with such early in the operating room (early extracorporeal membrane oxygenation group, n = 36). The primary outcome was death. The secondary outcomes included receiving continuous renal replacement therapy, ventricular arrhythmia, and pulmonary infection.ResultsThe demographic and baseline variables were similar between the matched groups. The early extracorporeal membrane oxygenation group showed lower mortality (69.44% vs 41.67%, P = 0.03), pulmonary infection morbidity (86.11% vs 55.56%, P < 0.01), and continuous renal replacement therapy rate(88.89% vs 66.67%, P = 0.04). Moreover, they showed improved cardiac index (P = 0.01) and lactate clearance (P < 0.01).ConclusionsExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation provides effective support for cardiogenic failure refractory to medical management; early initiation improves cardiac output and promotes lactate clearance, thus increasing survival in patients with cardiogenic shock after cardiovascular surgery.Trial registrationThis is a retrospective study. It was not registered.

Prognostic Value of Blood Lactate and Lactate Clearance in Refractory Cardiac Arrest Treated by Extracorporeal Life Support.

During cardiac arrest (CA) resuscitation, an 'ischaemia-reperfusion' syndrome occurs leading to multiorgan failure reflected by an increase in blood lactate. Blood lactate is a diagnosis and prognosis biomarker in extracorporeal life support (ECLS), but its kinetic appears more informative to assess a patient's outcome. The aim of the present study was to describe the prognostic value of blood lactate and lactate clearance (LC) 3 (H3) and 6 h (H6) after the initiation of ECLS in the treatment of refractory CA. Patients admitted to the intensive care unit for refractory CA were included. Lactate measurements were performed at the initiation of ECLS (H0) and at H3 and H6 upon the initiation of ECLS. LC was measured from 0 to 3 h (LC03), 0 to 6 h (LC06) and 3 to 6 h (LC36). The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality within 28 days. Sixty-six patients were enrolled in the study. Lactate levels were higher in deceased patients. Increased mortality was observed with increasing levels of lactate at H3 and H6 and with decreasing LC03. Using logistic regression, an association was observed between mortality and lactate at H3 with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.21 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-1.42); LC03, OR of 0.93 (95% CI 0.87-0.99) and LC06, OR of 0.96 (95% CI 0.92-0.99). Blood lactate and LC within the first 3 h of ECLS in refractory CA are associated with mortality. LC is a more relevant parameter than blood lactate, taking into account both the production and elimination of lactate. We suggest to preferentially use LC to assess the patient's outcome.

Early initiation of extracorporeal life support in refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: Design and rationale of the INCEPTION trial

We hypothesize that early initiation of ECPR in refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) improves the survival rate with favorable neurological status. The INCEPTION trial is an investigator-initiated, prospective, multicenter trial that will randomly allocate 110 patients to either continued CPR or ECPR in a 1:1 ratio. Patients eligible for inclusion are adults (≤ 70 years) with witnessed OHCA presenting with an initial rhythm of ventricular fibrillation (VF) or ventricular tachycardia (VT), who received bystander basic life support and who fail to achieve sustained return of spontaneous circulation within 15 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation by emergency medical services. The primary endpoint of the study is 30-day survival rate with favorable neurological status, defined as 1 or 2 on the Cerebral Performance Category score. The secondary endpoints include 3, 6 and 12-month survival rate with favorable neurological status and the cost-effectiveness of ECPR compared to CCPR. The INCEPTION trial aims to determine the clinical benefit for the use of ECPR in patients with refractory OHCA presenting with VF/VT. Additionally, the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of ECPR will be evaluated.

Prognostic Evaluation of Mortality after Pediatric Resuscitation Assisted by Extracorporeal Life Support.

To improve survival rates during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), some patients are put on extracorporeal life support (ECLS) during active resuscitation (ECPR). Our objective was to assess the clinical outcomes after pediatric ECPR in Switzerland and to determine pre-ECPR prognostic factors for mortality. The present study is a retrospective analysis. The study setting included three pediatric intensive care units in Switzerland that use ECPR. All patients (<16 years old) undergoing ECPR from 2008 to 2016 were included in the study. There were no interventions. Data before ECLS initiation and clinical outcomes were collected. An ECPR score was designed to predict mortality, based on variables significantly different between survivors and non-survivors. Fifty-five patients were included, with a median age of 13.5 months. Eighty percent were cardiac patients. The mortality rate was 75%. Mortality was significantly associated with CPR duration ( p = 0.02), last lactate ( p = 0.05), and last pH ( p = 0.01) before ECLS initiation. Based on these three variables, an ECPR score was designed as follows: CPR duration (in minutes): 1 point if < 40; 2 points if ≥ 40; 3 points if ≥ 60; 6 points if ≥ 105. Lactate (in mmol/L): 1 point if < 8; 2 points if ≥ 8; 3 points if ≥ 14; 6 points if ≥ 18. pH: 1 point if > 7.00; 2 points if ≤ 7.00; 3 points if ≤ 6.85; 6 points if ≤ 6.60. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve was 0.74. The positive predictive value of a score ≥ 9 was 94%. In our population, a score based on three variables easily available prior to ECLS initiation had good discrimination and could appropriately predict mortality. This score now needs validation in a larger population.

Hypothermia outcome prediction after extracorporeal life support for hypothermic cardiac arrest patients: The HOPE score

AimsCurrently, the decision to initiate extracorporeal life support for patients who suffer cardiac arrest due to accidental hypothermia is essentially based on serum potassium level. Our goal was to build a prediction score in order to determine the probability of survival following rewarming of hypothermic arrested patients based on several covariates available at admission. MethodsWe included consecutive hypothermic arrested patients who underwent rewarming with extracorporeal life support. The sample comprised 237 patients identified through the literature from 18 studies, and 49 additional patients obtained from hospital data collection. We considered nine potential predictors of survival: age; sex; core temperature; serum potassium level; mechanism of hypothermia; cardiac rhythm at admission; witnessed cardiac arrest, rewarming method and cardiopulmonary resuscitation duration prior to the initiation of extracorporeal life support. The primary outcome parameter was survival to hospital discharge. ResultsOverall, 106 of the 286 included patients survived (37%; 95% CI: 32–43%), most (84%) with a good neurological outcome. The final score included the following variables: age, sex, core temperature at admission, serum potassium level, mechanism of cooling, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation duration. The corresponding area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.895 (95% CI: 0.859–0.931) compared to 0.774 (95% CI: 0.720–0.828) when based on serum potassium level alone. ConclusionsIn this large retrospective study we found that our score was superior to dichotomous triage based on serum potassium level in assessing which hypothermic patients in cardiac arrest would benefit from extracorporeal life support. External validation of our findings is required.

Implementing a practice change: early initiation of continuous renal replacement therapy during neonatal extracorporeal life support standardizes care and improves short-term outcomes.

We hypothesized that a standardized approach to early continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) during neonatal extracorporeal life support (ECLS) results in greater homogeneity of CRRT initiation times with improvements in fluid balance and outcomes. Retrospective analysis of data (2007-2015) obtained from neonates treated prior to (E1; n = 32) and after (E2; n = 31) a 2011 practice change: CRRT initiation within 48h of ECLS. Birthweight, gestational age, ECLS mode, and age at ECLS initiation were similar to each epoch. Survival [E1: median 75%, E2: 71%] and length of ECLS [E1: median 221h, E2: 180 h] were comparable. During E2, 100% of infants received CRRT (vs. E1: 37%; p < 0.001) and 97% of infants initiated CRRT within 48h of ECLS (vs. E1: 13%; p < 0.001). Control charts demonstrate reduced practice variation. Elapsed time from ECLS to CRRT differed between Epochs [E1: median 105h, E2: 9h; p < 0.001] as did weight at CRRT initiation [E1: 4.13kg (29% above baseline), E2: 3.19kg (0%); p < 0.001]. Significant differences in weight change were noted on days 6 and 7 (E1: 14%, E2: 2%; raw data comparison yielded p < 0.05) and curves were different (p < 0.05). We successfully implemented a practice change, initiating CRRT within 48h of ECLS cannulation, leading to decreased practice variation and improved short-term outcomes including decreased weight gain at CRRT initiation and faster return to baseline weight during the first 7 days of ECLS. We did not demonstrate changes in duration of ECLS, invasive ventilation, or survival.

Pediatric extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation during nights and weekends

AimExtracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is a lifesaving rescue therapy for patients with refractory cardiac arrest. Previous studies suggest that maintaining a 24/7 in-house surgical team may reduce ECPR initiation time and improve survival in adult patients. However, an association between cardiac arrest occurring during off-hours and ECPR outcome has not been established in children. MethodsThis is a single institution, retrospective review of all pediatric patients who received ECPR from December 2008 to August 2015. ResultsDuring the study period, ECPR was performed 54 times in 53 patients (20 weekday, 34 night/weekend). Interval from ECPR activation to initiation of extracorporeal life support was significantly longer during night/weekends (49min night/weekend vs. 33min weekday, p<0.001) as was the interval from ECPR activation to incision for cannulation (26min night/weekend vs. 14min Weekday, p<0.001). Rate of central nervous system (CNS) injury was higher in the night/weekend group (43% night/weekend vs. 15% weekday, p=0.04), with associated 75% mortality prior to hospital discharge. Time of arrest did not impact survival to hospital discharge (44% night/weekend vs. 55% weekday, p=0.57), one-year survival (33% night/weekend vs. 44% weekday, p=0.44), or neurologic outcome (Pediatric Cerebral Performance Score at 1-year post-ECPR, 1.45 weekday vs. 1.50 night/weekend, p=0.82). ConclusionsCardiac arrest occurring at night or during weekend hours is associated with a longer ECPR initiation time and higher rates of CNS injury. However, prolonged pre-ECPR support associated with off-hours cardiac arrest does not appear to impact survival or functional outcome in pediatric patients.