Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Patients Research Articles

An integrated program of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation and uncontrolled donation after circulatory determination of death in refractory cardiac arrest

AimTo assess the feasibility of an integrated program of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) and uncontrolled donation after circulatory determination of death (uDCDD) in refractory cardiac arrest (rCA). MethodsSingle center, prospective, observational study of selected patients with in-hospital (IHCA) and out-of-hospital (OHCA) rCA occurring in an urban area of ∼1.5 million inhabitants, between October-2016 and May-2018. 65 year old or younger patients without significant bleeding or comorbidities with witnessed nonasystolic cardiac arrests were triaged to ECPR if they had a reversible cause and high quality CPR lasting < 60 min. Otherwise they were considered for uDCDD after a ten minute no touch period using normothermic regional perfusion. Results58 patients were included, of which 41 (71%) were OHCA and 18 (31%) had ECPR initiated. Median age was 52 (IQR 45–56) years. Cannulation was successful in 49/58 (84%) cases. Compared to ECPR, patients referred for uDCDD were more frequently OHCA (90 vs. 28%), had bystander CPR (28 vs. 83%) and prolonged low-flow period (40 (35–50) vs. 60 (49–78) min). Survival to hospital discharge with full neurological recovery (cerebral performance category 1) occurred in 6/18 (33%) ECPR patients. uDCDD resulted in transplantation of 44 kidneys. ConclusionsAn integrated program for rCA consisting of a formal pathway to uDCDD referral in ECPR ineligible patients is feasible. ECPR-referred patients had a reasonable survival with full neurologic recovery. Successful kidney transplantation was achieved with uDCDD.

Low-flow time is associated with a favorable neurological outcome in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients resuscitated with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation

ProposeThe aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the prognostic factors in extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) patients and to assess their accuracy as predictors of a favorable neurological outcome. Materials and methodsBetween October 2009 and December 2017, we retrospectively analyzed witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients who were admitted to our hospital and resuscitated with ECPR. We compared the baseline characteristics, pre-hospital clinical course, arrest causes, and blood samples on admission for the favorable and unfavorable outcome groups. ResultsAmong the 135 patients included, 22 (16%) had a favorable neurological outcome. Low-flow time was shorter (median 38 vs. 48 min, p < 0.001) in the favorable neurological outcome group; in multiple logistic analyses, low-flow time was significantly associated with a favorable neurological outcome (odds ratio, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.82–0.94). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of low-flow time was 0.80 (95% confidence interval, 0.70–0.89), and the cut-off value of 58 min corresponded to a sensitivity of 0.25 and a specificity of 1.0. ConclusionsIn ECPR patients, low-flow time was significantly associated with a favorable neurological outcome, and ECPR should be performed within 58 min of the low-flow time.

Development and validation of a prognostic model for survival in patients treated with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: the PREDICT VA-ECMO score

Several scoring systems have been introduced for prognostication after initiating venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) therapy. However, static scores offer limited guidance once VA-ECMO is implanted, although continued allocation of healthcare resources is critical. Patients requiring continued VA-ECMO support are extremely unstable, with minimal heart function and multi-organ failure in most cases. The aim of the present study was to develop and validate a dynamic prognostic model for patients treated with VA-ECMO. A derivation cohort included 205 all-comers undergoing VA-ECMO implantation at a tertiary referral hospital (51% received VA-ECMO during resuscitation and 43% had severe shock). Two prediction models based on point-of-care biomarkers were developed using penalised logistic regression in an elastic net approach. A validation cohort was recruited from an independent tertiary referral hospital. Comparators for the prediction of hospital survival were the SAVE score (area under the receiver operation characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.686), the SAPS score (AUC 0.679), the APACHE score (AUC 0.662) and the SOFA score (AUC 0.732) in 6-hour survivors. The 6-hour PREDICT VA-ECMO score (based on lactate, pH and standard bicarbonate concentration) outperformed the comparator scores with an AUC of 0.823. The 12-hour PREDICT VA-ECMO integrated lactate, pH and standard bicarbonate concentration at 1 hour, 6 hours and 12 hours after ECMO insertion allowed even better prognostication (AUC 0.839). Performance of the scores in the external validation cohort was good (AUCs 0.718 for the 6-hour score and 0.735 for the 12-hour score, respectively). In patients requiring VA-ECMO therapy, a dynamic score using three point-of-care biomarkers predicts hospital mortality with high reliability. Furthermore, the PREDICT scores are the first scores for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation patients.

P125: Introduction of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) into emergency care: a feasibility study

Introduction: Traditionally, out of hospital cardiac arrests (CA) have poor outcomes. Incorporation of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is being used increasingly to supplement ACLS to provide better outcomes for patients. Current literature suggests potentially improved outcomes, including neurological function. We assessed the feasibility of introduction of ECPR to a regional hospital using a 4-phase study. We report phase-1, an estimation of the number of potential candidates for ECPR in our setting. Methods: Following development and agreement on local criteria for selection of patients for ECPR using a modified Delphi Technique, inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied retrospectively, to a database comprising 4 years of emergency department (ED) cardiac arrests (n=395). This provided estimates of the number of patients who would have qualified for EMS transport for ECPR and initiation of ECPR in the ED. Results: Application of criteria would result in 20.0% (95% CI 16.2-24.3%) of CA being transported to the ED for ECPR (mean 18.5 patients per year). In the ED 4.6% (95% CI 2.83-7.26%) would be eligible to receive ECPR (4.3 patients per year). Incorporating downtime criteria, 3.0% (95% CI 1.6-5.3%) qualify. After considering local in-house cardiac catheterization hours 9.4% (95% CI 6.8-12.9%) and 5.4% (95% CI 3.5-8.2%), without and with EMS rhythm assumptions respectively, would be eligible for transport. For placement on pump, 3.0% (95% CI 1.6-5.3%) and 2.4% (95% CI 1.2-4.6%), without and with use of total downtime respectively, were eligible. Conclusion: If historical patterns of CA were to continue, we believe that an ECPR program may be feasible in our regional hospital setting, with a small number of selected cardiac arrest patients meeting eligibility for transportation and initiation of ECPR. These numbers suggest that an ECPR program would not be resource intensive, yet would be sufficiently busy to maintain adequate team competency.

Variability of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation utilization for refractory adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: an international survey study.

ObjectiveA growing interest in extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) as a rescue strategy for refractory adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) currently exists. This study aims to determine current standards of care and practice variation for ECPR patients in the USA and Korea.MethodsIn December 2015, we surveyed centers from the Korean Hypothermia Network (KORHN) Investigators and the US National Post-Arrest Research Consortium (NPARC) on current targeted temperature management and ECPR practices. This project analyzes the subsection of questions addressing ECPR practices. We summarized survey results using descriptive statistics.ResultsOverall, 9 KORHN and 4 NPARC centers reported having ECPR programs and had complete survey data available. Two KORHN centers utilized extracorporeal membrane oxygenation only for postarrest circulatory support in patients with refractory shock and were excluded from further analysis. Centers with available ECPR generally saw a high volume of OHCA patients (10/11 centers care for >75 OHCA a year). Location of, and providers trained for cannulation varied across centers. All centers in both countries (KORHN 7/7, NPARC 4/4) treated comatose ECPR patients with targeted temperature management. All NPARC centers and four of seven KORHN centers reported having a standardized hospital protocol for ECPR. Upper age cutoff for eligibility ranged from 60 to 75 years. No absolute contraindications were unanimous among centers.ConclusionA wide variability in practice patterns exist between centers performing ECPR for refractory OHCA in the US and Korea. Standardized protocols and shared research databases might inform best practices, improve outcomes, and provide a foundation for prospective studies.

D-dimer predicts bleeding complication in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest resuscitated with ECMO

PurposeIn out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients resuscitated with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO), known as extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR), bleeding is a common complication. The purpose of this study was to assess the risk factors for bleeding complications in ECPR patients. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the data for OHCA patients admitted to our hospital and resuscitated with ECPR between October 2009 and December 2016. We compared patients with and without major bleeding (i.e. the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium class≥3 bleeding) within 24h of hospital admission. Patients, whose bleeding complication was not evaluated, were excluded. ResultsDuring the study period, 133 OHCA patients were resuscitated with ECPR, of whom 102 (77%) were included. In total, 71 (70%) patients experienced major bleeding. There were significant differences in age (median 65 vs. 50years, P<0.001), prior antiplatelet therapy (25% vs. 3%, P=0.008), hemoglobin (median 11.6 vs. 12.6g/dL, P=0.003), platelet count (median 125 vs. 155×103/μL, P=0.001), and D-dimer levels on admission (median 18.8 vs. 6.7μg/mL, P<0.001) among patients with and those without major bleeding. Multivariate analysis showed significant associations between major bleeding and D-dimer levels (odds ratio, 1.066; 95% confidence interval, 1.018–1.116). Area under receiver-operating characteristic curve, which describes the accuracy of D-dimer levels in predicting major bleeding, was 0.76 (95% confidence interval, 0.66–0.87). ConclusionD-dimer levels may predict major bleeding in ECPR patients, suggesting that hyperfibrinolysis may be related to bleeding.

Neurological outcomes and duration from cardiac arrest to the initiation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a retrospective study

BackgroundWe investigated the relationship between neurological outcomes and duration from cardiac arrest (CA) to the initiation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) (CA-to-ECMO) in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) treated with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) and determined the ideal time at which ECPR should be performed.MethodsDuring the time period in which this study was conducted, 3451 patients experienced OHCA. This study finally included 79 patients aged 18 years or older whose OHCA had been witnessed and who underwent ECPR in the emergency room between January 2011 and December 2015. Our primary endpoint was survival to hospital discharge with good neurological outcomes (a cerebral performance category of 1 or 2).ResultsOf the 79 patients included, 11 had good neurological outcomes. The median duration from CA-to-ECMO was significantly shorter in the good neurological outcome group (33 min, interquartile range [IQR], 27–50 vs. 46 min, IQR, 42–56: p = 0.03). After controlling for potential confounders, we found that the adjusted odds ratio of CA-to-ECMO time for a good neurological outcome was 0.92 (95% confidence interval: 0.87–0.98, p = 0.007). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of CA-to-ECMO for predicting a good neurological outcome was 0.71, and the optimal CA-to-ECMO cutoff time was 40 min. The dynamic probability of survival with good neurological outcomes based on CA-to-ECMO time showed that the survival rate with good neurological outcome decreased abruptly from over 30% to approximately 15% when the CA-to-ECMO time exceeded 40 min.DiscussionIn this study, CA-to-ECMO time was significantly shorter among patients with good neurological outcomes, and significantly associated with good neurological outcomes at hospital discharge. In addition, the probability of survival with good neurological outcome decreased when the CA-to-ECMO time exceeded 40 minutes. The indication for ECPR for patients with OHCA should include several factors. However, the duration of CPR before the initiation of ECMO is a key factor and an independent factor for good neurological outcomes in patients with OHCA treated with ECPR. Therefore, the upper limit of CA-to-ECMO time should be inevitably included in the indication for ECPR for patients with OHCA. In the present study, there was a large difference in the rate of survival to hospital discharge with good neurological outcome between the patients with a CA-to-ECMO time within 40 minutes and those whose time was over 40 minutes. Based on the present study, the time limit of the duration of CPR before the initiation of ECMO might be around 40 minutes. We should consider ECPR in patients with OHCA if they are relatively young, have a witness and no terminal disease, and the initiation of ECMO is presumed to be within this time period.ConclusionsThe duration from CA-to-ECMO was significantly associated with good neurological outcomes. The indication for patients with OHCA should include a criterion for the ideal time to initiate ECPR.

Prognostic indicators of survival and survival prediction model following extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients with sudden refractory cardiac arrest

BackgroundExtracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) has been considered in selected candidates with potentially reversible causes during a limited period. Candidate selection and the identification of predictable conditions are important factors in determining outcomes during CPR in the emergency department (ED). The objective of this study was to determine the key indicators and develop a prediction model for survival to hospital discharge in patients with sudden cardiac arrest who received ECPR.MethodsThis retrospective analysis was based on a prospective cohort, which included data on CPR with ECPR-related variables. Patients with sudden cardiac arrest who received ECPR at the ED from May 2006 to June 2016 were included. The primary outcome was survival to discharge. Prognostic indicators and the prediction model were analyzed using logistic regression.ResultsOut of 111 ECPR patients, there were 18.9% survivors. Survivors showed younger age, shorter CPR duration (p < 0.05) and had tendencies of higher rate of initial shockable rhythm (p = 0.055) and higher rate of any ROSC event before ECPR (p = 0.066) than non-survivors. Eighty-one percent of survivors showed favorable neurologic outcome at discharge. In univariate analysis, the following factors were associated with survival: no preexisting comorbidities, initial serum hemoglobin level ≥14 g/dL, and mean arterial pressure ≥60 mmHg after ECPR. Based on multivariate logistic regression, predictors for survival in ECPR were as follows: age ≤56 years, no asystole as the initial arrest rhythm, CPR duration of ≤55 min, and any return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) event before ECPR. The prediction scoring model for survival had a c-statistic of 0.875.ConclusionsWith careful consideration of differences in the inclusion criteria, the prognostic indicators and prediction scoring model for survival in our study may be helpful in the rapid decision-making process for ECPR implementation during CPR in the ED.

Anticoagulation practices and the prevalence of major bleeding, thromboembolic events, and mortality in venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PurposeThe purpose was to evaluate the safety of anticoagulation in venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). DesignWe performed a systematic review and meta-analysis using multiple electronic databases. Studies were from 1977 to September 27, 2016. We evaluated the effect of anticoagulation in VA-ECMO on outcomes including major bleeding, thromboembolic events, and in-hospital mortality using a random effects model meta-analysis. ResultsTwenty-six studies (1496 patients) were included. Ten studies only had patients with postcardiotomy shock, 4 studies only included extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation patients, and 10 studies had a mixture of patients. Most studies (n=17) were low quality with a Newcastle-Ottawa Scale score ≤5. The summary prevalence of major bleeding was 27% (95% confidence interval [CI], 18%-35%), with considerable between-study heterogeneity (I2=91%). Major bleeding requiring reoperation was the most common bleeding event. The summary prevalence of thromboembolic events was 8% (95% CI, 4%-13%; I2=83%). Limb ischemia, circuit-related clotting, and stroke were the most commonly reported events. The summary prevalence for in-hospital mortality was 59% (95% CI, 52%-67%; I2=78%). ConclusionsThe optimal targets and strategies for anticoagulation in VA-ECMO are unclear. Evaluation of major bleeding and thromboembolic events is limited by study quality and between-study heterogeneity. Clinical trials are needed to investigate the optimal anticoagulation strategy.

The association of findings on brain computed tomography with neurologic outcomes following extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation

BackgroundLimited data are available on imaging predictors of neurological outcomes after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). We investigated the association of initial brain computed tomography (CT) findings with neurological outcomes following ECPR.MethodsBetween February 2005 and December 2015, a total of 42 patients who underwent brain CT scans within 48 h after ECPR were analyzed. Loss of the boundary between gray matter and white matter (LOB) or cortical sulcal effacement (SE), gray-to-white matter ratio (GWR), and optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) were measured on initial brain CT. The primary outcome was the Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC) scale at discharge.ResultsOf the 42 adult ECPR patients, 23 (54.8%) patients survived to discharge and 19 (45.2%) patients had good neurological outcomes (CPC 1 and 2). The area under the curve (AUC) of GWR in the basal ganglia (GWR-BG) was 0.792 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.639–0.901, p = 0.001). ONSD (AUC 0.745; 95% CI, 0.587 – 0.867, p = 0.007) was 5.57 (interquartile range (IQR) 5.14 – 5.98) mm in the good neurological outcome group versus 6.07 (IQR 5.71 – 6.64) mm in the poor outcome group. LOB or SE were more often detected in the poor neurological outcome group (AUC 0.817; 95% CI, 0.682–0.952, p <0.001). The predictive performance of poor neurological outcomes of a composite of GWR-BG, ONSD, and LOB/SE was significantly improved (AUC 0.904; 95% CI, 0.773–0.973) compared to when each brain CT marker was considered separately (GWR-BG, p = 0.048; ONSD, p = 0.026; LOB/SE, p = 0.028).ConclusionsGWR, ONSD, and LOB/SE on initial brain CT scans are associated with neurological prognosis in patients who underwent ECPR. The new risk prediction model, which uses a composite of GWR, ONCD, and LOB/SE, could provide better information on neurologic outcomes in patients underwent ECPR.

Association between Body Temperature Patterns and Neurological Outcomes after Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

We evaluated the association of body temperature patterns with neurological outcomes after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). Between December 2013 and December 2015, we enrolled 48 patients with cardiac arrest who survived for at least 24 hours after ECPR. Based on their body temperature patterns and the intention to control fever, we divided the patients into those in whom fever was actively controlled (N = 25), those with normothermia (N = 17), and those with unintended hypothermia (N = 6). The primary outcome was the Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC) scale at discharge. Of the 48 ECPR patients, 23 patients (47.9%) had good neurological outcomes (CPC 1 and 2) and 27 patients (56.3%) survived to discharge. The normothermia group showed a pattern of higher temperatures compared with the other groups during 48 hours after ECPR. Not only poor neurological outcomes but also intensive care unit (ICU) mortality occurred more often in the unintended hypothermia group than in the other two groups, regardless of the fever control strategy (p = 0.023 and p = 0.002, respectively). There were no differences in neurological outcomes and ICU mortality between the actively controlled fever group and the normothermia group (p = 0.845 and p = 0.616, respectively). Unintentionally sustained hypothermia may be associated with poor neurological outcomes after ECPR. These findings suggest that patients who are unable to generate a fever following ECPR may incur severe hypoxic brain injury.

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation（ECPR）患者の抗凝固療法について(Anticoagulation strategy for ECPR patients)

本誌Vol.26, No.12に掲載された山岸ら 1の論文を興味深く読ませていただきました。心室細動による心肺停止患者において，胸骨圧迫の合併症として内胸動脈損傷による縦隔血腫を来したものの経皮的動脈塞栓術による治療が奏効し，筆者らの迅速かつ適切な対応により救命できた症例と考えます。山岸らも述べているとおり，extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation（ECPR）を用いない胸骨圧迫では縦隔血腫の報告は少ないため，今回の症例はECPRの併用やそれに伴う抗凝固療法の使用が出血を助長した可能性があると考えます。 ECPR使用患者の胸骨圧迫に伴う致死的合併症である胸部・縦隔血腫については，我々も2015年に報告しています 2。ECPR開始後3時間以内にACT値を測定した32例中3例に胸骨圧迫に伴うと思われる動脈性出血を認めました。出血群と非出血群でACTの平均値は有意差を認めませんでしたが，いずれの群でもACT値200秒以上と延長しており，ECPR使用患者の抗凝固療法についてさらなる検討が必要だと考えました。 ECPR使用患者の適切な抗凝固療法は未だデータが不足しています。ECMO使用患者一般に対する抗凝固療法は，ELSO（Extracorporeal Life Support Organization）が指針を出しており 3，本邦でもこれに準ずる形でECMO患者の抗凝固療法を設定しているところが多いと思われます。しかし，本邦のECMO使用は欧米とは異なり，呼吸不全に対するVV–ECMOよりも心肺停止に対するECPRが主流であり，胸骨圧迫や低体温療法など出血を来しやすい病態であるためELSOの基準とは異なる抗凝固療法が必要な可能性があると考えます。 ECPRにおいては世界随一の症例数を誇る本邦から，日本救急医学会を中心にECPR患者の抗凝固療法についての全国調査を行い，エビデンスを構築していく必要があるのではないかと考えます。ご検討のほどよろしくお願い申し上げます。 本稿の著者に規定されたCOIはない。

Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (E-CPR) During Pediatric In-Hospital Cardiopulmonary Arrest Is Associated With Improved Survival to Discharge

Although extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (E-CPR) can result in survival after failed conventional CPR (C-CPR), no large, systematic comparison of pediatric E-CPR and continued C-CPR has been reported. Consecutive patients <18 years old with CPR events ≥10 minutes in duration reported to the Get With the Guidelines-Resuscitation registry between January 2000 and December 2011 were identified. Hospitals were grouped by teaching status and location. Primary outcome was survival to discharge. Regression modeling was performed, conditioning on hospital groups. A secondary analysis was performed with the use of propensity score matching. Of 3756 evaluable patients, 591 (16%) received E-CPR and 3165 (84%) received C-CPR only. Survival to hospital discharge and survival with favorable neurological outcome (Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category score of 1-3 or unchanged from admission) were greater for E-CPR (40% [237 of 591] and 27% [133 of 496]) versus C-CPR patients (27% [862 of 3165] and 18% [512 of 2840]). Odds ratios (ORs) for survival to hospital discharge and survival with favorable neurological outcome were greater for E-CPR versus C-CPR. After adjustment for covariates, patients receiving E-CPR had higher odds of survival to discharge (OR, 2.80; 95% confidence interval, 2.13-3.69; P<0.001) and survival with favorable neurological outcome (OR, 2.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.91-3.64; P<0.001) than patients who received C-CPR. This association persisted when analyzed by propensity score-matched cohorts (OR, 1.70; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-2.18; P<0.001; and OR, 1.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.31-2.41; P<0.001, respectively]. For children with in-hospital CPR of ≥10 minutes duration, E-CPR was associated with improved survival to hospital discharge and survival with favorable neurological outcome compared with C-CPR.

Use of a fixed, body weight-unadjusted loading dose of unfractionated heparin for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

BackgroundExtracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is being used increasingly in the emergency and critical care field in Japan. A major complication of ECPR is bleeding; however, the optimal initial heparin dose and activated coagulation time (ACT) remain unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the appropriateness of our initial anticoagulation protocol.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated the initial heparin dose, ACT value, and incidence of bleeding and thrombotic complications in post-cardiopulmonary arrest patients who received a fixed, body weight-unadjusted loading dose of unfractionated heparin (3000 U) prior to veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO) between February 2011 and November 2013 at Mie University Hospital, Japan.ResultsACT was evaluated within 3 h of initiation of 32 consecutive ECPR patients. The mean heparin dose per body weight was 53.6 U/kg and the mean ACT was 231.3 s. In 17 patients, ACT exceeded 200 s. Three patients experienced fatal bleeding in the chest wall within 24 h of receiving ECMO. The mean heparin dose per kilogram body weight, mean initial ACT, and mean duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) did not statistically differ between the patients who experienced fatal bleeding and those who did not.ConclusionsFixed-dose heparin of 3000-U bolus resulted in a mean heparin dose per kilogram body weight of 53.6 U/kg and an ACT of 231.3 s and experienced 3 out of 32 fatal bleedings. Further researches are warranted to optimize anticoagulation protocol for ECPR patients.

Predictors of survival following extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients with acute myocardial infarction-complicated refractory cardiac arrest in the emergency department: a retrospective study.

BackgroundThis study aimed to identify the determinant factors for clinical outcomes and survival rates of patients with cardiac arrest (CA) concurrent with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who underwent extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated 37 patients admitted to our emergency department between January 2006 and August 2012 for AMI-induced CA treated with ECPR during ongoing continuous chest compressions.ResultsMean patient age was 61.4 ± 11.3 years, and 27 patients (73%) were men. Mean CPR time was 50.8 ± 35.4 min. Door-to-ECMO and door-to-balloon times were 84.4 ± 55.3 and 98.4 ± 56.8 min, respectively. Mean ECMO time was 106.4 ± 84.7 h; nine (24%) patients died within 24 h after ECMO initiation. Twelve (32%) patients were weaned off ECMO, seven (19%) of whom survived >30 days after ECMO removal; all except one had Cerebral Performance Category Grade 1. Of the patients who survived, 5 of them were able to be discharged. In multivariate analysis, statistical significance was only observed in door-to-ECMO time ≤60 min (OR, 6.0; 95% CI, 1,177–852.025; p = 0.033).ConclusionWe conclude that ECMO insertion within 60 min of the arrival of patients with AMI and CA at the ED appears to be a good option for maintaining myocardial and systemic perfusion, thereby increasing the survival rate of these patients.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Pediatric Cardiac Arrest

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) remains a promising treatment for pediatric patients in cardiac arrest unresponsive to traditional cardiopulmonary resuscitation. With venoarterial extracorporeal support, blood is drained from the right atrium, oxygenated through the extracorporeal circuit, and transfused back to the body, bypassing the heart and lungs. The use of artificial oxygenation and perfusion thus provides the body a period of hemodynamic stability, while allowing resolution of underlying disease processes. Survival rates for ECPR patients are higher than those for traditional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), although neurological outcomes require further investigation. The impact of duration of CPR and length of treatment with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation vary in published reports. Furthermore, current guidelines for the initiation and use of ECPR are limited and may lead to confusion about appropriate use of this support. Many ethical concerns arise with this advanced form of life support. More often than not, the dilemma is not whether to withhold ECPR, but rather when to withdraw it. Although clinicians must decide if ECPR is appropriate and when further intervention is futile, the ultimate burden of choice is left to the patient's caregivers. Offering support and guidance to the patient's family as well as the patient is essential.

Neurological outcomes after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a retrospective observational study in a rural tertiary care center.

BackgroundIn a rural region with few medical resources, we have promoted the strategy that if an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patient is likely reversible, he or she should be transported directly from the scene of cardiac arrest to the only tertiary care center where extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is readily available. We investigated 1-month survival and neurological outcomes after ECPR in OHCA patients at this center.MethodsWe implemented a retrospective review of OHCA patients of heterogeneous origin in whom ECPR was performed. Demographic characteristics, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ECPR details, and neurological outcomes were evaluated. Cerebral performance categories were used to assign each patient to favorable or unfavorable outcome groups.ResultsFifty OHCA patients underwent ECPR. Presumed causes of OHCA were cardiac etiology in 32 patients, accidental hypothermia in 7 patients, and other causes in 11 patients. Overall, 13 patients (26%) survived and 10 patients (20%) had favorable outcomes. Of the 32 patients with OHCA of cardiac origin, 5 patients (16%) had favorable outcomes. Of the seven patients with OHCA of hypothermic origin, five patients (71%) had favorable outcomes. No clinically reliable predictors to identify ECPR candidates were found. However, all nine OHCA patients over 70 years of age had unfavorable outcomes (P = 0.224). In addition, all seven patients who satisfied the basic life support termination-of-resuscitation rule had unfavorable outcomes (P = 0.319).ConclusionsECPR can be a useful means to rescue OHCA patients who are unresponsive to conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a rural tertiary care center, in a manner similar to that observed in the urban regions.

Initial anti-coagulation strategy for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation patients

Initial anti-coagulation strategy for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation patients

Initial anticoagulation strategy for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation patients

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is increasingly being used in emergency and critical care medicine in Japan. Although a major complication of this procedure is bleeding, the optimal heparin dose and activated coagulation time (ACT) remain unknown.

Response to Letters Regarding Article, “Duration of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Illness Category Impact Survival and Neurologic Outcomes for In-Hospital Pediatric Cardiac Arrests”

We appreciate the interest of and insightful comments by Dr Joffe et al concerning the relationship between extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (E-CPR) and in-hospital pediatric cardiac arrest outcomes. During the 10-year study period, only 227 of the 3419 patients received E-CPR, with very few patients in several illness categories.1 Although some E-CPR patients received shorter durations of CPR, 168 received E-CPR for >35 minutes. Of those who received >35 minutes of CPR, survival to hospital discharge was as follows: overall, 56 of 168 (33.3%); general surgical, 0 of 7 (0%); surgical cardiac, 40 of 104 (38.5%); medical cardiac, 15 of 34 (44.1%); general medical, 1 of 23 (4.4%); and trauma, 0 of 0. Survival to hospital discharge after >35 minutes of CPR without E-CPR was as follows: overall, 102 of 819 (12.5%); general surgical, 9 of 63 (14.3%); surgical cardiac, 26 of 156 (16.7%); medical cardiac, 22 of 145 (15.2%); general medical, 40 of 390 (10.3%); and trauma, 5 of 65 (7.7%). With the use of a 2-sided Fisher exact test (Stata 12.1) without adjustment for other potential confounding factors to compare those who received E-CPR …