Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Course Research Articles

Antithrombin concentrates use in children on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a retrospective cohort study.

To investigate whether receipt of any antithrombin concentrate improves laboratory and clinical outcomes in children undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for respiratory failure during their hospitalization compared with those who did not receive antithrombin. Retrospective cohort study. Single, tertiary-care pediatric hospital. Sixty-four neonatal and pediatric patients who underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for respiratory failure between January 2007 and September 2011. Exposure to any antithrombin concentrate during their extracorporeal membrane oxygenation course compared with similar children who never received antithrombin concentrate. Thirty patients received at least one dose of antithrombin during their extracorporeal membrane oxygenation course and 34 patients did not receive any. The median age at admission was less than 1-month old. Age, duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or first antithrombin level did not differ significantly between the two cohorts. The mean plasma antithrombin level in those who never received antithrombin was 42.2% compared with 66% in those who received it. However, few levels reached the targeted antithrombin level of 120% and those who did fell back to deficient levels within an average of 6.8 hours. For those who received antithrombin concentrate, heparin infusion rates decreased by an average of 10.2 U/kg/hr for at least 12 hours following administration. No statistical differences were noted in the number of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit changes, in vivo clots or hemorrhages, transfusion requirements, hospital or ICU length of stay, or in-hospital mortality. Intermittent, on-demand dosing of antithrombin concentrate in pediatric patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for respiratory failure increased antithrombin levels, but not typically to the targeted level. Patients who received antithrombin concentrate also had decreased heparin requirements for at least 12 hours after dosing. However, no differences were noted in the measured clinical endpoints. A prospective, randomized study of this intervention may require different dosing strategies; such a study is warranted given the unproven efficacy of this costly product.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as a Bridge through Chemotherapy in B-Cell Lymphoma

A 41-year-old female presented with a large anterior mediastinal mass adjacent to the heart. Biopsy demonstrated lymphoma. Upon administration of chemotherapy, she developed cardiogenic shock requiring a 5-day course of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as a bridge through her treatment. After one cycle of chemotherapy, ECMO was discontinued and the patient completed her course of chemotherapy and recovered to hospital discharge.

Extubation during pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a single-center experience.

Describe aspects of one center's experience extubating infants and children during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Retrospective review of medical records. Seventy-one-bed critical care service (PICU and cardiovascular ICU) in a large urban tertiary children's hospital. Pediatric and neonatal patients supported on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation between 1996 and 2013 who were either not intubated or extubated greater than 24 hours during their extracorporeal membrane oxygenation course. None. Sixteen of 511 patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were extubated for at least 24 hours during their extracorporeal membrane oxygenation courses. Fourteen had respiratory failure and two had cardiac disease. Five patients died while on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, but the cause of death was not related to complications associated with extubation. Extubated patients were supported a median of 19.7 days on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, with a median extubation latency (time between cannulation and first extubation) of 6.2 days and a median extubation duration of 5.5 days. Mean time extubated was 43% of the total time on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Two patients were reintubated briefly or had a laryngeal mask airway placed for decannulation (n = 1). The remaining patients were extubated within 5 days of decannulation, weeks afterward (n = 2), transferred to outside facilities (n = 2), or died during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support (n = 5). We also observed no complications directly attributable to extubation and spontaneous reaeration of consolidated lungs in acute respiratory distress syndrome in extubated patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Extubation and discontinuation of mechanical ventilation appear feasible in patients requiring long-term extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Emergency procedure planning may need to be modified in extubated patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Impact of fluid balance on outcome of adult patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

PurposeTo assess the relationship between early daily fluid balance (FB) and 90-day outcome in adult patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).DesignRetrospective observational study.SettingTertiary referral centre for ECMO.Patients115 patients treated with ECMO for refractory heart failure and 57 patients treated with ECMO for refractory respiratory failure.MethodsWe analysed the association between early daily FB versus hospital and 90-day mortality using multivariable logistic regression model, Cox proportional-hazards model and propensity score.ResultsWe obtained detailed demographic, clinical, and biochemical data, daily FB, and continuous renal replacement days. Fifty-seven per cent of patients had acute kidney injury (AKI) at ECMO initiation, and 60 % (n = 103) of patients received continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) during ECMO course, beginning at a median of 1 (0–3.5) days after ECMO initiation. Overall 90-day mortality was 24 %. Survivors exhibited lower daily FB from day 3 to day 5. After adjustments, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) III, CRRT during the first 3 days, major bleeding event at day 1 and positive FB on day 3 were independent predictors of 90-day mortality. Positive FB at ECMO day 3 remained an independent predictor of hospital and 90-day mortality, regardless of the statistical model used or the inclusion of a propensity score to have positive FB.ConclusionsPositive FB at ECMO day 3 is an independent predictor of 90-day mortality. Further interventional studies aimed at testing the value of strategy of tight control of FB during the early ECMO period are now warranted.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00134-014-3360-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Age-Based Difference in Activation Markers of Coagulation and Fibrinolysis in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Coagulation system activation in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation results in hemostatic derangements. Thrombin generation markers like prothrombin fragment 1+2 and thrombin-antithrombin complex are sensitive markers of hypercoagulability. Plasmin-antiplasmin complex is a sensitive marker for fibrinolysis. D-dimers reflect thrombin generation and fibrinolysis. The aim was to identify the extent of hemostasis activation during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation by measuring thrombin-antithrombin complex, prothrombin fragment 1+2, plasmin-antiplasmin complex, and D-dimer. Prospective cohort study. Tertiary care academic center. Children placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation from April 2011 to January 2013. Prothrombin fragment 1+2, thrombin-antithrombin complex, plasmin-antiplasmin complex, and D-dimer were measured on days 1 and 5 of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Data presented as median (interquartile range); nonparametric tests were done using SPSS. Twenty-nine children (52% < 30 d old [neonates], median extracorporeal membrane oxygenation length 151 hr) were studied. Complications included thrombosis in 14%, bleeding in 45%, and thrombosis and bleeding together in 10%. Thrombin-antithrombin complex, prothrombin fragment 1+2, plasmin-antiplasmin complex, and D-dimer levels were high on day 1 and remained increased on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. In neonates, all levels were higher on day 5 compared with day 1: thrombin-antithrombin complex (55.6 μg/L [30.7-76.0] vs 18.7 μg/L [10.9-34.6]; p = 0.03), prothrombin fragment 1+2 (2,038 pmol/L [1,093-4,018.5] vs 377.5 pmol/L [334.3-1,103.0]; p = 0.00), plasmin-antiplasmin complex (2,160 μg/L [786-3,090] vs 398 μg/L [296.8-990.8]; p = 0.00), and D-dimer (3.0 μg/mL [1.9-11.5] vs 1.5 μg/mL [0.6-2.9]; p = 0.01). Thrombin-antithrombin complex, prothrombin fragment 1+2, plasmin-antiplasmin complex, and D-dimer levels did not correlate with anti-Xa activity or heparin dose. In bleeders older than 30 days, plasmin-antiplasmin complex stayed elevated on day 5, but in patients with no bleeding complications, plasmin-antiplasmin level showed a declining trend. In neonates, plasmin-antiplasmin levels increased over the course of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation irrespective of bleeding. Despite our best efforts at adequate anticoagulation with unfractionated heparin, neonates showed persistent increase in coagulation activation on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Fibrinolysis activation may contribute to bleeding in patients older than 30 days. Different anticoagulation protocols should be individualized based on age.

Prolonged Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenator Support Among Neonates with Acute Respiratory Failure

The objective of this study was to identify types of neonatal diseases associated with prolonged (≥21 days) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), characteristics of survivors and nonsurvivors among those requiring prolonged ECMO, and factors associated with mortality. Data were obtained from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry over the period from January 1, 1998, through December 31, 2011, for all neonates (age <31 days), with respiratory failure as the indication for ECMO. The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge. Survivors and nonsurvivors were compared for 1) patient demographics, 2) primary diagnosis, 3) pre-ECMO clinical course and therapies, and 4) ECMO course and associated complications. The most common diagnosis associated with prolonged ECMO support in neonates is congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH; 69%). Infants with meconium aspiration syndrome had the highest survival rate (71%) compared with other diagnoses analyzed (26.3%; p < 0.001). Nonsurvivors were more likely to experience complications on ECMO, and multivariate analysis showed that the need for inotropes while on ECMO support (odds ratio, 2.2 [95% confidence interval, 1.3-3.7]; p = 0.003) was independently associated with mortality. Neonates requiring prolonged ECMO support have a 24% survival to discharge. Many of these cases involve CDH. Complications are common with prolonged ECMO, but only receipt of inotropes was shown to be independently associated with mortality. This report may help guide clinical decision making and family counseling for neonates requiring prolonged ECMO support.

Efficacy of Electroencephalographic Monitoring for the Evaluation of Intracranial Injury during Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support in Neonates and Infants

Background: Neurological complications are a serious concern during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support in neonates and infants. However, evaluating brain injury during ECMO has limitations. Herein, we report our experience with bedside electroencephalographic monitoring during ECMO support and compared this to post-ECMO brain imaging studies and immediate neurologic outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data for 18 children who underwent ECMO. From these subjects, we reviewed the medical records of 10 subjects who underwent bedside EEG monitoring during ECMO support. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical details of the ECMO course, electroencephalographic monitoring, brain imaging results, and neurologic outcomes. Results: The median age was 4 months (range: 7 days-22 months), the median weight was 5 (3.6-12) kg, and the median length of ECMO therapy was 86 (27-206) hours. Eight patients (80%) were weaned successfully, and seven (70%) survived to discharge. Those with normal to mildly abnormal electroencephalographic findings had non-specific to mildly abnormal brain computed tomography findings and no neurologic impairment. Those patients with a moderately to severely abnormal electroencephalograph had markedly abnormal brain computed tomography findings and remained neurologically impaired. Conclusions: Normal electroencephalographic findings are closely related to normal or mild neurologic impairment. Our results indicate that electroencephalographic monitoring during ECMO support can be a feasible tool for evaluating brain injury although further prospective studies are needed.

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Introduction: The optimal anticoagulation strategy for pediatric patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is the subject of significant debate. Antithrombin (AT) has become an attractive adjunct therapy to traditional heparin, but its use remains quite variable amongst institutions. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive study was designed and institutional review board exemption obtained. Data were obtained from the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database, an administrative database from 43 tertiary care children's hospitals in the United States for patients admitted from 2004-2011 who were 18 years of age or younger and placed on ECMO. Results: 7,083 patients were identified as having met study criteria. AT was utilized in only 5% of patients in 2004 versus 52% in 2011 (p<0.001). There was no change in the use of fresh frozen plasma or cryoprecipitate over time. The total number of patients receiving red blood cell transfusions decreased from 88.5% in 2004 to 68.4% in 2011 (p<0.001). The average adjusted cost of an ECMO course increased from $213,681 +/- $162,250 in 2004 to $351,735 +/- $361,280 in 2011 (p<0.001). Correlations were observed between the use of AT and the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (p<0.001), pulmonary embolism (p=0.001), cerebral infarction (p<0.001), intracerebral hemorrhage (p=0.037) and subdural hemorrhage (p=0.002). Overall patient mortality decreased from 44.46% in 2004 to 42.81% in 2011 (p=0.0084). Conclusions: Between 2004 and 2011, there was decreased mortality but increased cost of ECMO. During this time, AT use increased significantly. However, only red blood cell transfusions were decreased. Of note, there was an association between increasing use of AT and both thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications. Further investigation is warranted to better understand the role of AT in pediatric ECMO and whether or not it contributes to patient outcomes.

Chest tube placement in children during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)

BackgroundPleural collections of air and fluid are frequent in infants and children treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). In this anticoagulated population, chest tube placement is potentially hazardous, and catastrophic hemorrhage has been reported. We sought to define the risks associated with chest tube placement in a large population of children managed with ECMO. MethodsThe records of 189 consecutive children managed with ECMO at two children’s hospitals were reviewed. Demographics, indications for ECMO, and ECMO courses were reviewed. In particular, the occurrence of pleural collections and the frequency and technique of chest tube placement were evaluated. The incidence of complications and mortality were determined. ResultsThe median age of the subjects was 2days. The overall mortality was 26.5%. A pneumothorax was found in 19 (10.1%), a pleural effusion in 26 (13.8%), and a hemothorax in 2 (1.0%). A chest tube was placed in 27 (19 by a needle-guide wire technique and 8 by cut-down). Major bleeding complications occurred in 6 subjects (22%). ConclusionsThere was a significant incidence of major bleeding complications and death in subjects in whom chest tubes were placed. The placement of a chest tube during ECMO should be done only if it is likely to improve pump flow or promote weaning of support.

Introducing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for healthcare professionals: the importance of a basic theoretical course

A multidisciplinary team is essential for a high quality ECMO service. However, few health professionals have any knowledge on ECMO and, in addition, there are discrepancies between the level of expertise among these professionals. Thus, we evaluated the impact of a basic theoretical ECMO course on the knowledge gain of different healthcare professionals.

Magnitude of Arterial Carbon Dioxide Change at Initiation of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support Is Associated with Survival

Many patient factors have been associated with mortality from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy. Pre-ECMO patient pH and arterial carbon dioxide (paCO2) have been associated with poor outcome and can be significantly altered by ECMO initiation. We hypothesized that the magnitude of change in paCO2and pH with ECMO initiation could be associated with survival. We designed a retrospective observational study from a single tertiary care center and included all pediatric patients (age younger than 18 years) undergoing ECMO between 2002 and 2010. Electronic records were queried for demographics and clinical characteristics, including the arterial blood gas (ABG) pre- and post-ECMO initiation. Bivariate analysis compared ECMO course characteristics by outcome (survivor vs. nonsurvivor). Multivariable logistic regression was performed on factors associated with the outcome in the bivariate analysis at the significance level ofp&lt; .1. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were reported. We identified 201 patients with a median age of 10 days (range, 1 day to 16 years). Indications for ECMO were: respiratory failure (51%), cardiac failure (23%), extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (21%), and sepsis (5%). Mortality, defined by death before discharge, was 37% (74 of 201). ABG data pre- and post-ECMO initiations were available in 84% (169 of 201). Age, pH, paCO2, indication, and intracranial hemorrhage were significantly associated with mortality (p&lt; .05). After adjusting for potential confounders (age, use of epinephrine, volume of fluid administered, year of ECMO, ECMO indication, and duration of ECMO) by multivariable logistic regression, the magnitude of paCO2change (≥25 mmHg) was associated with mortality (adjusted OR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.06–4.63;p= .036). The decrease in paCO2with ECMO initiation was associated with mortality. Although this change in paCO2is multifactorial, it represents a modifiable element of clinical management involving pre-ECMO ventilation, ECMO circuit priming, CO2administration/removal, and may represent a future therapeutic target that could improve survival in pediatric ECMO.

Simulation-Based Postcardiotomy Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Crisis Training for Thoracic Surgery Residents

We developed and tested a clinical simulation program in the principles and conduct of postcardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) with the aim of improving confidence, proficiency, and crisis management. Twenty-three thoracic surgery residents from unique residency programs participated in an ECMO course involving didactic lectures and hands-on simulation. A current postcardiotomy ECMO circuit was used in a simulation center to give residents training with basic operations and crisis management. Pretraining and posttraining assessments concerning confidence and knowledge were administered. Before and after the training, residents were asked to identify components of the ECMO circuit and manage crisis scenarios, including venous line collapse, arterial hypertension, and arterial desaturation. In the hands-on portion, residents had difficulty identifying the gas source and flow rate, centrifugal pump head inlet, and oxygenator outflow line. Timely and accurate ECMO component identification improved significantly after training. The arterial desaturation crisis scenario gave the residents difficulty, with only 22% providing the appropriate treatment recommendations in a timely and accurate fashion. At the end of the simulation training, most residents were able to manage the crises correctly in a timely manner. Posttraining confidence-related scores increased significantly. Most of the residents strongly recommended the course to their peers and reported simulation-based training was helpful in their postcardiotomy ECMO education. We developed a simulation-based postcardiotomy ECMO training program that resulted in improved ECMO confidence in thoracic surgery residents. Crisis management in a simulated environment enabled residents to acquire technical and behavioral skills that are important in managing critical ECMO-related problems.

Acute kidney injury is a frequent complication in critically ill neonates receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a 14-year cohort study

IntroductionNewborns in need of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support are at high risk of developing acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI may occur as part of multiple organ failure and can be aggravated by exposure to components of the extracorporeal circuit. AKI necessitates adjustment of dosage of renally eliminated drugs and avoidance of nephrotoxic drugs. We aimed to define systematically the incidence and clinical course of AKI in critically ill neonates receiving ECMO support.MethodsThis study reviewed prospectively collected clinical data (including age, diagnosis, ECMO course, and serum creatinine (SCr)) of all ECMO-treated neonates within our institution spanning a 14-year period. AKI was defined by using the Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of renal function, and End-stage renal disease (RIFLE) classification. SCr data were reviewed per ECMO day and compared with age-specific SCr reference values. Accordingly, patients were assigned to RIFLE categories (Risk, Injury, or Failure as 150%, 200%, or 300% of median SCr reference values). Data are presented as median and interquartile range (IQR) or number and percentage.ResultsOf 242 patients included, 179 (74%) survived. Median age at the start of ECMO was 39 hours (IQR, 26 to 63); median ECMO duration was 5.8 days (IQR, 3.9 to 9.4). In total, 153 (64%) patients had evidence of AKI, with 72 (30%) qualifying as Risk, 55 (23%) as Injury, and 26 (11%) as Failure. At the end of the study period, only 71 (46%) patients of all 153 AKI patients improved by at least one RIFLE category. With regression analysis, it was found that nitric oxide ventilation (P = 0.04) and younger age at the start of ECMO (P = 0.004) were significant predictors of AKI. Survival until intensive care unit discharge was significantly lower for patients in the Failure category (35%) as compared with the Non-AKI (78%), Risk (82%), and Injury category (76%), with all P < 0.001, whereas no significant differences were found between the three latter RIFLE categories.ConclusionsTwo thirds of neonates receiving ECMO had AKI, with a significantly increased mortality risk for patients in the Failure category. As AKI during childhood may predispose to chronic kidney disease in adulthood, long-term monitoring of kidney function after ECMO is warranted.

Pediatric Single‐Lumen Cannula Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A French Center Experience

Single-lumen cannula venovenous (VV) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a special extracorporeal life support (ECLS) technique used for neonatal and pediatric refractory hypoxemia. This is an alternative flow rate ECLS that consists of successive clamping on the drainage and the injection lines. Currently, the Armand-Trousseau's pediatric intensive care unit remains the only pediatric ECMO center proposing this partial assistance. This article details a technical note and a retrospective analysis of our experience in refractory hypoxemia. The retrospective study, from 2007 to 2011, included all pediatric and neonatal patients treated by single-lumen cannula VV ECMO. The study was focused on pre-ECMO patient characteristics and complications during ECMO course. During the last 5 years, 67 pediatric patients were assisted by this single-lumen cannula VV ECMO. Sixty-one patients (91%) were newborns. Thirty-nine patients presented with meconium aspiration syndrome (58%), which was the most frequent etiology. Before cannulation, mean oxygenation index (OI) was 32 ± 11, alveolar-arterial oxygen difference was 604 ± 47 mm Hg, and partial pressure arterial oxygen/fraction inspired oxygen ratio was 59.2 ± 35.8. Forty-eight patients (72%) presented pulmonary hypertension, and 66 patients were treated by nitric oxide (98%). Fifty patients (75%) were treated by vasopressors or inotropic drugs. Average duration of ECMO was 13.2 ± 7.8 days. There were forty-six survivors (69%). The worst prognosis was for respiratory syncytial virus pneumonia. Complications like acute renal injury and hematologic and transfusion acts were not so different than those observed in classical ECMO techniques. Nevertheless, 19 patients presented a stroke (28% of the overall population), but this high rate did not seem to be due to the ECLS technique used. Single-lumen cannula VV ECMO is a partial and efficient ECMO support. Our experience shows that this technique is as efficient and less invasive than two cannulas ECMO. The single-lumen cannula VV ECMO is a simple and safe ECLS support used for neonatal or pediatric refractory hypoxemia. Because this is a partial assistance, it is a promising ECLS support.

The Effects of Hypertriglyceridemia on Plasma Free Hemoglobin Levels and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support

Exposure of patients to significant hemolysis can lead to serious clinical sequelae. Plasma free hemoglobin (pFHgb) is used during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support to monitor ongoing hemolysis that is a consequence of mechanical forces applied to the red blood cells. This publication presents the case of a 3-year-old child who required ECMO support due to severe pneumonia. During her ECMO course, she developed severe elevations of pFHgb that were of questionable validity. Additional laboratory findings suggested a concurrent hypertriglyceridemia to be the potential cause for these false elevations. Linear regression analysis was employed and revealed a statistically significant ( P = .006) moderate correlation between pFHgb and triglyceride levels ( R = .69). The analysis reinforces the theory that hypertriglyceridemia may lead to false increases in pFHgb, which may complicate a patient’s clinical picture and influence management decisions. Therefore, it should not be the sole value used to assess hemolysis in patients on ECMO.

In-Vitro Quantification of Gaseous Microemboli in Two Extracorporeal Life Support Circuits

During the course of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, patients are at constant risk of exposure to air emboli. Air emboli may enter the circuit during routine lab sampling, medication administration, air entrainment through the venous cannula, or via a circuit disruption. Circuit components have been designed and positioned to minimize the quantity of air that travels through the arterial line to the patient. The purpose of this study was to assess the air handling of a newer generation extracorporeal life support circuit. The extracorporeal life support circuit consisted of an open hard-shell venous reservoir, Better Bladder (BB14) or silicone bladder (R-14), and Quadrox D® oxygenator or 0800 silicone oxygenator. Air emboli detection sensors were placed in the extracorporeal life support circuit: post bladder, post oxygenator, and post heat exchanger if applicable. Air was injected as a 1 mL/min for 5 minutes injection or as a single 5 mL bolus. Emboli detection was recorded continuously during and for 3 minutes post air injection at two blood flow rates (Qb) (.5 and 1.2 L/min). All tests were performed in triplicate with each condition. All tested components reduced the embolic volume transmitted through the circuit. The quantity of this reduction was dependent on both the Qband the air injection condition. During this in-vitro testing, air emboli passing through any of the components tested was decreased. Furthermore, the emboli delivery was reduced post component with the slower Qb(.5 L/min).

Severe Thrombotic and Bleeding Complications in a Baby with Heterozygous Factor V Leiden and Acquired von Willebrand Disease on ECMO

We aim to present the case of a 5-week-old girl with severe respiratory failure placed on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) that was then switched to veno-arterial ECMO. She required up to 60 units/kg/hr of heparin to keep her heparin level within the target range at .3–.7 units/mL. During the ECMO course, substantial thrombus formation was observed within the venous site of the ECMO cannula, which led to two circuit changes on ECMO day 9 and day 20. On ECMO day 15, she was noticed to have purpuric lesions on her chest and her right hand with no obvious arterial or venous clot detected by Doppler ultrasound. She was also noted to have remarkable hemolysis as the plasma free hemoglobin levels were substantially elevated up to 700 mg/dL. She was noted to have continuous oozing from the catheter insertion sites despite adequate underlying coagulation status. Her subsequent platelet function analysis, the thromboelastography, and thromboelastography platelet mapping suggested substantial platelet dysfunction. Her von Willebrand panel revealed absence of high molecular weight multimers. Further coagulation workup was prompted which revealed heterozygosity for factor V Leiden. The patient developed severe pulmonary hemorrhages and ECMO was discontinued on day 40.

Neonatal ECMO Study of Temperature (NEST) - a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundExisting evidence indicates that once mature neonates with severe cardio-respiratory failure become eligible for Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) their chances of intact survival are doubled if they actually receive ECMO. However, significant numbers survive with disability. NEST is a multi-centre randomised controlled trial designed to test whether, in neonates requiring ECMO, cooling to 34°C for the first 48 to 72 hours of their ECMO course leads to improved later health status. Infants allocated to the control group will receive ECMO at 37°C throughout their course, which is currently standard practice around the world. Health status of both groups will be assessed formally at 2 years corrected age.Methods/DesignAll infants recruited to the study will be cared for in one of the four United Kingdom (UK) ECMO centres. Babies who are thought to be eligible will be assessed by the treating clinician who will confirm eligibility, ensure that consent has been obtained and then randomise the baby using a web based system, based at the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit (NPEU) Clinical Trials Unit. Trial registration.Babies allocated ECMO without cooling will receive ECMO at 37°C ± 0.2°C. Babies allocated ECMO with cooling will be managed at 34°C ± 0.2°C for up to 72 hours from the start of their ECMO run. The minimum duration of cooling will be 48 hours. Rewarming (to 37°C) will occur at a rate of no more than 0.5°C per hour. All other aspects of ECMO management will be identical. Primary outcome: Cognitive score from the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd edition (Bayley-III) at age of 2 years (24 - 27 months).DiscussionFor the primary analysis, children will be analysed in the groups to which they are assigned, comparing the outcome of all babies allocated to "ECMO with cooling" with all those allocated to "ECMO" alone, regardless of deviation from the protocol or treatment received. For the primary outcome the analysis will compare the mean scores for each group of surviving babies. The rationale for this choice of primary analysis is to give a fair representation of the average ability of assessable children, accepting the limitation that excluding deaths might impose.The consistency of the effect of cooling on the group of babies recruited to the trial will be explored to see whether cooling is of particular help, or not, to specific subgroups of infants, using the statistical test of interaction. Therefore pre-specified subgroup analyses include: (i) whether the ECMO is veno-arterial or veno-venous; (ii) whether the child's oxygenation index at the time of recruitment is <60 or ≥ 60; (iii) initial aEEG pattern shown on the cerebral function monitor, and (iv) primary diagnostic group.Trial RegistrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN72635512.

Neonatal respiratory failure due to a novel mutation in the surfactant protein C gene

A full-term infant developed respiratory distress immediately after birth, requiring a prolonged course of extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation, followed by high-frequency ventilation. She was unable to wean off mechanical ventilation, required tracheostomy, and ultimately lung transplantation. A novel mutation in the surfactant C protein gene was identified as the cause of her lung disease.

Prognostic Factors for Adult Patients Receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as Mechanical Circulatory Support—A 14‐Year Experience at a Medical Center

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a resource-consuming and highly invasive treatment. There were 1100 ECMO cases at the National Taiwan University Hospital between August 1994 and November 2008. Of these, 607 were adults (>18 years old) who received ECMO as mechanical circulatory support. In this study, patient characteristics and complications during the ECMO course were evaluated for their correlation with prognosis. The following factors were significantly different between survivors and nonsurvivors: age, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, brain death, stroke during ECMO, the need for dialysis during ECMO, pre-ECMO infection, hypoglycemia, acidosis, alkalosis, the need for a distal perfusion catheter, and the amount of red blood cells transfused. Six independent predictors of mortality were identified: age, stroke, the need for dialysis during ECMO, pre-ECMO infection, hypoglycemia, and alkalosis. Our institution has comparatively extensive experience with adult patients, which may be quite different from other medical centers with respect to distribution of patient age. The findings should lead to better utilization of ECMO for adult patients in the future.