Post Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Research Articles

Intracardiac thrombosis after congenital heart disease surgeries in neonates: a report of two cases

BackgroundIntracardiac thrombosis (ICT) is a rare complication after the cardiopulmonary surgery for interrupted aortic arch (IAA) or total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) without previous records. There are still no general guidelines regarding as the mechanism or management of postoperative ICT in neonates and younger infants.Case presentationWe reported the conservative and surgical therapies in two neonates with intra-ventricular and intra-atrial thrombosis after the anatomical repair for IAA and TAPVC, respectively. There were no risk factors for ICT in both patients, except for the use of blood product and prothrombin complex concentrate. The surgery was indicated after TAPVC correction due to the worsening respiratory status and rapidly decreased mixed venous saturation. Anticoagulation combined with antiplatelet therapies was adopted in another patient. These two were both finally recovered, and three-month, six-month, and one-year follow-up echocardiography revealed no abnormality.ConclusionsICT is uncommon in pediatric population after the surgery for congenital heart disease. Single ventricle palliation, heart transplantation, longer central line use, post-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and massive blood product use are major risk factors for postcardiotomy thrombosis. The causes of postoperative ICT are multifactorial, and the immaturity of thrombolytic and fibrinolytic system in neonates may serve as a prothrombotic factor. However, no consensus reached regarding as the therapies for postoperative ICT, and the large-scale prospective cohort study or randomized clinical trial is needed.

Value of nomogram in early prediction of death in patients post extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

To construct an early predictive model for the death of patients after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) based on the baseline information of patients and laboratory indicators. The clinical data of 139 patients who underwent ECMO in Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2015 to December 2021 were collected, including age, gender, primary disease, ECMO model, other clinical characteristics, and laboratory indicators 2 hours after establishment of ECMO. The patients were divided into training cohort (n = 111) and validation cohort (n = 28) according to a ratio of 4:1. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) regression and multivariate Logistic regression were used to select predictive factors, and a nomogram was used to establish the predictive model. The calibration and discrimination of the model were assessed using the receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve), the calibration curve and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Four predictive variables including anion gap (AG), lactic acid (Lac), arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), and serum amylase (AMY) 2 hours after ECMO were selected from 34 laboratory indicators by Lasso regression. These variables and three other clinically important factors [primary diseases, ECMO model, and acute kidney injury (AKI)] were analyzed using multivariate Logistic regression (forward: LR method), Finally, four strong predictive factors (Lac-2 h, PaO2-2 h, AMY-2 h, and primary diseases) for mortality were used to construct a nomogram [the area under ROC curve (AUC) was 0.85,95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 0.78-0.92]. The optimal cut-off value of the ROC curve was 0.398 based on the maximum principle of the Youden index, corresponding to 80.2% accuracy, 89.1% sensitivity, and 68.1% specificity. The validation cohort with an in-hospital mortality of 64.3% was used to verify the performance of the model by ROC curve and Kaplan-Meier analysis. According to the optimal cut-off value of the ROC curve (0.398), the validation cohort was divided into low- and high-risk groups. Based on this model, the survival probability of the low-risk group was significantly higher than that of the high-risk group (P = 0.018), indicating this model had good discriminative ability in the validation cohort. Based on this model, the AUC of the validation cohort was 0.76, 95%CI was 0.58-0.94, and the accuracy rate was 71.43%, which indicated this model showed good calibration consistency. The predictive model incorporating Lac-2 h, PaO2-2 h, AMY-2 h, and primary diseases may be significant for predicting the in-hospital mortality of patients undergoing ECMO.

Efficacy of outcome prediction of the respiratory ECMO survival prediction score and the predicting death for severe ARDS on VV-ECMO score for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) therapy for respiratory failure is an increasingly popular modality of support. Patient selection is an important aspect of outcome success. This review assesses the efficacy of the popular prognostic tools Respiratory ECMO Survival Prediction Score (RESP) and Predicting Death for Severe ARDS on VV-ECMO score (PRESERVE) for ECMO patient selection. A literature search was performed. Six publications were found to match the specified selection criteria. These publications were assessed and compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve statistical method to ascertain the discriminatory ability of the models to predict treatment outcome. Six articles were included in this review from 306 screened, of which all were retrospective cohort studies. Data was generated over a period of 3-9years from 13 referring hospitals. Studies consisted of 467 male and 221 female (30 unknown) participants in total with a high heterogeneity. The PRESERVE prognostic model was found to have a higher AUROC score than the RESP model, however both models were found to be sub-optimal in their discriminatory ability. A high chance of bias was seen across all included studies. It was the findings of this review, indicated by analysis using the AUROC measures, that the prognostic model PRESERVE performed better than RESP for predicting post ECMO therapy outcomes, for patients presenting with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome within their respective validated time frames, i.e., RESP at Intensive care unit (ICU) discharge and PRESERVE at 6months post ICU discharge. However, It was recognized that comparator groups were small thereby introducing bias into the study. Further prospective, randomized studies would be necessary to effectively assess the utility of these predictive survival scores.

Routine Neuroimaging: Understanding Brain Injury in Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

This project aims to describe brain injuries on routine neuroimaging in a large single-center neonatal and pediatric cohort supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The study also aims to examine the association of these injuries with neurocognitive outcomes in survivors and identify laboratory findings associated with neurologic injury. Retrospective observational single-center cohort study. Tertiary care PICU. Pediatric patients with noncardiac indications for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation supported by venoarterial or venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, with on-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation brain CT or postextracorporeal membrane oxygenation brain CT/MRI. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. Occurrence of brain injury on CT and MRI was reviewed; injuries were scored. Clinical and laboratory results associated with injury were identified. Survivor neurocognitive outcomes were obtained using the Pediatric Overall Performance Category scale and Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category scale. Of 132 imaged patients, 98 (74%) had radiological evidence of brain injury. Mean injury score was 6.5 (± 3.8). Head ultrasounds and clinician suspicion performed poorly in suspecting the presence of injury. Of 104 respondents to neurodevelopmental assessments, 61 (59%) had normal scores; 12.5%, 17%, and 11.5% had mild, moderate, or severe disability. A neuroimaging score greater than 10 was associated with an unfavorable outcome on the Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category (odds ratio, 3.4; p < 0.01) and Pediatric Overall Performance Category (odds ratio, 1.7; p < 0.05). Ischemic injury correlated with worse neurodevelopmental outcome. Preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation lactate, Vasoactive-Inotropic Scores, transaminitis, elevated bilirubin and creatinine levels, and thrombocytopenia were associated with injury occurrence. Brain injury is frequent in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients, although the majority of survivors have favorable neurocognitive outcomes. More research is needed in order to understand the etiology of such injuries. Head ultrasound and clinician suspicion are not sensitive in detecting extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-related brain injuries. Protocolizing postextracorporeal membrane oxygenation imaging with brain MRI allows the identification of injuries and provision of timely neurocognitive intervention.

Prone-Positioning for Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

To determine the characteristics and outcomes of patients prone-positioned during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and lung CT pattern associated with improved respiratory system static compliance after that intervention. Retrospective, single-center study over 8 years. Twenty-six bed ICU in a tertiary center. A propensity score-matched analysis compared patients with prone-positioning during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and those without. An increase of the static compliance greater than or equal to 3 mL/cm H2O after 16 hours of prone-positioning defined prone-positioning responders. The primary outcome was the time to successful extracorporeal membrane oxygenation weaning within 90 days of postextracorporeal membrane oxygenation start, with death as a competing risk. Among 298 venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-treated adults with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome, 64 were prone-positioning extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Although both propensity score-matched groups had similar extracorporeal membrane oxygenation durations, prone-positioning extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients' 90-day probability of being weaned-off extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and alive was higher (0.75 vs 0.54, p = 0.03; subdistribution hazard ratio [95% CI], 1.54 [1.05-2.58]) and 90-day mortality was lower (20% vs 42%, p < 0.01) than that for no prone-positioning extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-related complications were comparable for the two groups. Patients without improved static compliance had higher percentages of nonaerated or poorly aerated ventral and medial-ventral lung regions (p = 0.047). Prone-positioning during venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was safe and effective and was associated with a higher probability of surviving and being weaned-off extracorporeal membrane oxygenation at 90 days. Patients with greater normally aerated lung tissue in the ventral and medial-ventral regions on quantitative lung CT-scan performed before prone-positioning are more likely to improve their static compliance after that procedure during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Carboxyhemoglobin levels in children during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support: a retrospective study.

Hemolysis is a common complication of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). There are few data on whether carboxyhemoglobin (COHb), a potential marker of hemolysis, are elevated during ECMO support. We conducted a single-center, retrospective study comparing peak COHb levels of children pre-, during, and post-ECMO from January 2017 to August 2020. There were 154 ECMO runs in 147 children (154 PICU admissions) included in the study. The median age was 3.5 (IQR 0.2, 39.2) months. Veno-arterial ECMO was the predominant mode: 146/154 (94.8%). Eighty-seven children (56.5%) underwent cardiac surgery. Peak COHb levels during ECMO were statistically significantly higher compared to pre ECMO (COHb 1.8% (IQR 1.4, 2.6) vs COHb 1.2% (IQR 0.7, 1.7), p < 0.001) and post ECMO (COHb 1.6% (IQR 1.3, 2.2), p = 0.009). Children with COHb ⩾2% were younger and had longer duration of ECMO support. Plasma hemoglobin weakly correlated with COHb level (r = 0.14; p = 0.04). Carboxyhemoglobin levels increased during ECMO support compared to the pre and post ECMO period. Younger age and longer ECMO duration were associated with COHb levels ⩾2%. Plasma hemoglobin weakly correlated with COHb level.

Multisite Veno-Venous Cannulation for Neonates and Nonambulatory Children.

Neonates with respiratory failure are ideally supported with veno-venous rather than veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation due to the reduced rate of neurologic complications. However, the proportion of neonates supported with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is declining. We report multisite veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, accessing the neck, returning to the inferior vena cava via the common femoral vein in neonates and children less than 10 kg. Retrospective case series with 1 year minimum follow-up. Patients less than 10 kg supported with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation accessing the jugular and returning to the femoral vein. A 30-bed pediatric intensive care delivering extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to approximately 20 children annually. Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation accessing the jugular and returning to the femoral vein was delivered using two single lumen cannulae. January 2015 to August 2019, 11 patients underwent veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation accessing the jugular and returning to the femoral vein with median weight of 3.6 kg (interquartile range 2.8-6.1 kg), and median corrected gestational age of 13 days (interquartile range, 2-175 d). The smallest patient weighed 2.1 kg. Seven patients had comorbidities. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was technically successful in all patients with median flows of 126 mL/kg/min (interquartile range, 120-138 mL/kg/min) and median arterial oxygenation saturation of 94% (interquartile range, 91-98%) at 24 hours. Nine survived to home discharge, and two were palliated. Common femoral vein occlusion was observed in all patients on ultrasound post decannulation. There was no clinical or functional deficit in the cannulated limb at follow-up, a minimum of 1 year post extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation accessing the jugular and returning to the femoral vein was performed safely in patients under 10 kg with the smallest patient weighing 2.1 kg. Although occlusion of the common femoral vein was observed in patients post decannulation, subsequent follow-up demonstrated no clinical implications. We challenge current practice that veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation accessing the jugular and returning to the femoral vein cannot be performed in nonambulatory patients and suggest that this strategy is preferred over veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in infants requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for respiratory failure.

Impact of an Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Intensivist-Led Multidisciplinary Team on Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Outcomes.

Objectives:Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is increasingly being established as a treatment option for severe acute respiratory failure. We sought to evaluate the impact of a dedicated specialist team-based approach on patient outcomes.Design:Retrospective cohort study.Setting:Single-center medical ICU in an academic tertiary hospital.Patients:Adult patients initiated on venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe acute respiratory failure.Interventions:Initiation of an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation intensivist-led multidisciplinary team; critical decisions on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation management were jointly made by a dedicated team of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation intensivists, together with the multidisciplinary team.Measurements and Main Results:Eighty-one patients (75%) and 27 patients (35%) were initiated on venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation intensivist-led multidisciplinary team (before January 2018) and postextracorporeal membrane oxygenation intensivist-led multidisciplinary team period (after January 2018), respectively. Inhospital (14.8% vs 44.4%, p = 0.006) and ICU mortality (11.1% vs 40.7%, p = 0.005) were significantly lower in the postextracorporeal membrane oxygenation intensivist-led multidisciplinary team period. On multivariate analysis correcting for possible confounding factors (ICU severity and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-specific mortality prediction scores, body mass index, preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation vasopressor support, preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation cardiac arrest, and days on mechanical ventilation before extracorporeal membrane oxygenation initiation), management by an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation intensivist-led multidisciplinary team remained associated with improved hospital survival (odds ratio, 5.06; 95% CI, 1.20–21.28). Patients in the postextracorporeal membrane oxygenation intensivist-led multidisciplinary team period had less nosocomial infections (18.5% vs 46.9%, p = 0.009), a shorter ICU stay (12 days [interquartile range, 6–16 d] vs 15 days [interquartile range, 10–24 d]; p = 0.049), and none suffered an intracranial hemorrhage or nonhemorrhagic stroke.Conclusions:An extracorporeal membrane oxygenation intensivist-led multidisciplinary team approach is associated with improved outcomes in patients initiated on venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe acute respiratory failure.

Incidence, Characteristics and Outcomes of Cardiac Tamponade in Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for the Treatment of Refractory Cardiogenic Shock

Background Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO) for the treatment of refractory cardiogenic shock has gained popularity over the last decade. Cardiac tamponade(CT), a life threatening condition, has been reported to occur in patients after the initiation of ECMO therapy. However, there is a scarcity of data pertaining to the incidence, characteristics and outcomes of pericardial tamponade in non-cardiac surgery patients undergoing ECMO for the treatment of refractory cardiogenic shock. Methodology This is a single center retrospective review of all patients developing CT post ECMO for refractory cardiogenic shock presenting between January 1999-January 2020. Patients were excluded if they were on ECMO post cardiac surgery, aged less than 18 years or had a moderate to large pericardial effusion prior to ECMO initiation. Results Out of 220 patients presenting with cardiogenic shock, 8(3.6%) patients developed CT after being treated with ECMO. Patients were mostly male (7,78%) and 66±12.8 years old. 7(77.5%) patients were on VA ECMO, 1(12.5%) patient on VAV ECMO, all of which were accessed peripherally . 5(62.5%) patients were on additional mechanical support devices: Impella(2,25%), IABP(2,25%) and tandem heart with impella(1,12.5%). 6(75%) patients were supratherapeutic whilst on systemic anticoagulation preceding CT. Initial ECMO pump flow rates were 4±0.68ml/min, mean sheath size of 22±3.1 F. 5(62.5%) patients developed CT 24 hours after ECMO initiation, 3(37.5%) patients before 24 hours. Average size of pericardial effusion was 2.1±0.1cm. None of the patients had any evidence of myocardial/great vessel perforation. 4(50%) patients were treated with pericardiocentesis, 2(25%) patients required pericardial window, and 2(25%) required both. Fluid analysis in 6(87.5%) patients revealed hemorrhagic pericardial fluid, 1(12.5%) with serosanguinous fluid and 1(12.5%) with serous fluid .6(75%) of patients died during hospitalization, but not directly from CT. Conclusion 3.6% of patients on ECMO for refractory cardiogenic shock develop CT, with most cases occurring after 24 hours of therapy initiation. Most patients who develop this are coagulopathic and are on additional mechanical support devices. CT can occur in patients without evidence of cardiac/great vessel perforation. CT should be considered in all patients on ECMO with unexplained reductions in flow rates, and this should immediately be addressed to optimize cardio-pulmonary support. Although treatable, CT in this subset of patients is reflective of an overall grave prognosis.

Outcomes After Tracheostomy in COVID-19 Patients.

Objective:To determine the outcomes of patients undergoing tracheostomy for COVID-19 and of healthcare workers performing these procedures.Background:Tracheostomy is often performed for prolonged endotracheal intubation in critically ill patients. However, in the context of COVID-19, tracheostomy placement pathways have been altered due to the poor prognosis of intubated patients and the risk of transmission to providers through this highly aerosolizing procedure.Methods:A prospective single-system multi-center observational cohort study was performed on patients who underwent tracheostomy after acute respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19.Results:Of the 53 patients who underwent tracheostomy, the average time from endotracheal intubation to tracheostomy was 19.7 days ± 6.9 days. The most common indication for tracheostomy was acute respiratory distress syndrome, followed by failure to wean ventilation and post-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation decannulation. Thirty patients (56.6%) were liberated from the ventilator, 16 (30.2%) have been discharged alive, 7 (13.2%) have been decannulated, and 6 (11.3%) died. The average time from tracheostomy to ventilator liberation was 11.8 days ± 6.9 days (range 2–32 days). Both open surgical and percutaneous dilational tracheostomy techniques were performed utilizing methods to mitigate aerosols. No healthcare worker transmissions resulted from performing the procedure.Conclusions:Alterations to tracheostomy practices and processes were successfully instituted. Following these steps, tracheostomy in COVID-19 intubated patients seems safe for both patients and healthcare workers performing the procedure.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support After Heart Transplantation in Children-Outcomes of a Single Center Cohort.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is used for postcardiotomy low cardiac output but is less established following heart transplantation. We characterized outcomes for children supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after heart transplantation. Single-center retrospective study. Large pediatric cardiac referral center. All patients who received heart transplantation and were cannulated to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation between 1995 and 2016. Primary outcome measure was mortality 12 months postextracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Patient characteristics were analyzed for association with outcome according to early graft failure (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation ≤ 7 d after heart transplantation), or late graft failure. There were 246 heart transplants during the study period and 50 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation runs in 44 patients. Median time from transplant to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was 1 day (range, 0-11.7 yr), with early graft failure in 28 patients (median 1, range 0-2 d) and 22 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation runs in 20 late graft failure patients (median, 0.8 yr; range, 8 d to 11.7 yr), including four patients with prior extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for early graft failure. Twenty-six patients (59%) survived to hospital discharge, and survival 12 months postextracorporeal membrane oxygenation was 24 patients (55%), lower in those with late graft failure (40% vs 67%; p 0.02). Independent risk factors for 12-month mortality were congenital heart disease, higher pulmonary vascular resistance indexed to body surface area (> 2.2 Woods U/m), and higher creatinine. Higher panel reactive antibody levels were associated with 12-month mortality in the late graft failure group only. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can be effectively used to rescue patients with graft dysfunction after heart transplantation but is associated with high early mortality. Factors associated with mortality within 12 months include presence of congenital heart disease, renal dysfunction, elevated pulmonary vascular resistance indexed to body surface area and in those supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation late after heart transplantation, significant human leukocyte antigen sensitization.

Gastrointestinal Bleeding in ECMO Patients: Incidence and Outcomes

Extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) indications and usage has remarkably progressed over the past decade. While the newer technology has improved durability compared to earlier generations, increased frequency in some complications has been seen, including gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). We discuss the incidence and outcomes of GIB in patients receiving ECMO. From September 2014 to September 2019, 468 patients required ECMO support for different indications (VA: 302, VV: 133, Combined: 33). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and identified 48 (10.3%) patients diagnosed with GIB after being placed on ECMO. Their pre-cannulation characteristics and outcomes were then compared to the remaining patients (no GIB group). Fisher's exact test was used to test significance in categorical variables, and t-test for continuous variables. A total of 48 patients (mean age 59±14, male 35) were diagnosed with GIB post ECMO, of those 31 patients (65%) had upper GIB, 9 (19%) had lower GIB and 3 (6%) had combined. In 5 patients (10%) bleeding was unspecified. The mean time from ECMO initiation to the presentation of the event was 11 days (±11) and ranged from same day of cannulation to up to 60 days. Thirty-one patients (65%) were in the VA ECMO group, and 8 (17%) on VV ECMO. The remaining 9 (19%) patients were in the combined ECMO group. As seen in table 1, the mean duration of ECMO support and pre- cannulation SOFA score were significantly higher in the GIB group (p < 0.01). No difference was noted on the other Parameters Furthermore, the overall hospital discharge rate showed no significant difference between both groups (p=0.95), even when considering different ECMO types (VA ECMO: p=0.32, VV ECMO: p=0.47) CONCLUSION: Our data shows that GIB is a frequent complication (10.3%) in ECMO patients. However, there was no impact on the outcomes. Further studies are required to investigate and help better understand the etiology of GIB in those patients.

Intensivists Performed Percutaneous Bicaval Double-Lumen Echo-Guided Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Cannulation at Bedside in Newborns and Children: A Retrospective Analysis.

To describe a single institution experience on echo-guided percutaneous bicaval double lumen extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation performed at the bedside by intensivists. Retrospective observational study. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation team of a tertiary care children's hospital. All patients 0-14 years old undergoing venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation from January 1, 2013, to January 1, 2018. None. Thirty children underwent 32 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation runs. Median age at enrollment was 2 months (interquartile range, 0-20.5 mo), 65.6% of the runs (21 patients) were performed in newborns (n = 13, 40.6%) or infants (n = 8, 25%). Median preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation index was 66.9 (interquartile range, 50-85.6). Major comorbidities were present in 50% of patients. All patients were cannulated percutaneously. In two cases cannulation occurred from the left internal jugular vein. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was effective in increasing pH, arterial oxygen saturation, PaO2, and lowering PaCO2. The overall differences in pre and postextracorporeal membrane oxygenation values were statistically significant, while stratifying patients according to the cannula diameter (mm)/major diameter of the cannulated internal jugular vein (mm) ratio (> 0.67 or ≤ 0.67), statistical significance was reached only for the highest ratio. Complications were observed in three runs: two cannula tip dislocations in the right atrium and one limited flow in the only case in which an Avalon cannula was not used. In 20 cases (62.5% of 32 runs), the cannulated vessel was patent at follow-up or autopsy. A ratio less than or equal to 0.67 or greater than 0.67 did not influence the occurrence rate of complications, nonpatency of the internal jugular vein, death for intracranial bleeding and death at 30 days from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation discontinuation. Overall cumulative survival at 30 days from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation discontinuation was 60% (95% CI, 40-75), with a survival advantage in the case of ratio greater than 0.67 (65%; 95% CI, 44-80 vs 25%; 95% CI, 0-60). The described technique proved to be feasible, safe, and effective. Further investigation is needed.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in aluminum phosphide poisoning in Nepal: a case report

BackgroundAluminum phosphide is a very common suicide agent in developing countries like Nepal. Due to the unavailability of a specific antidote, mortality is very high because the phosphine molecule that is formed leads to inhibition of the cytochrome oxidase enzyme system in mitochondria. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation provides life-saving support to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems until the deadly poison is eliminated from the body.Case presentationWe encountered one case of 67-year-old Asian woman, a known case of major depressive disorder, who presented to our center with suicidal ingestion of aluminum phosphide with cardiovascular and respiratory dysfunction. On presentation in our emergency room, she had an ejection fraction of 20% and had to be immediately intubated for respiratory failure. Based on the evidence of almost 100% mortality with aluminum phosphide poisoning, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was initiated in our intensive care unit. Her general condition and hemodynamics gradually improved over the course of 2 days and she was weaned from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and ventilator by post-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation days 3 and 4, respectively. After psychiatric evaluation and establishment of normal vital parameters, she was moved out of intensive care unit on post-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation day 6 and discharged to home on post-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation day 10.ConclusionsAlthough this seems to be a small step in terms of global perspective, it is a giant stride for a developing country. The management of reversible but severe cardiac and respiratory failure certainly opens up newer scopes where we can ensure a quality health care service being made accessible even to the most underprivileged people.

Factors Associated With Mortality in Children Who Successfully Wean From Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation*

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is an established therapy for cardiac and respiratory failure unresponsive to usual care. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation mortality remains high, with ongoing risk of death even after successful decannulation. We describe occurrence and factors associated with mortality in children weaned from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Retrospective cohort study. Two hundred five extracorporeal membrane oxygenation centers reporting to the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization. Eleven thousand ninety-six patients, less than 18 years, supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation during 2007-2013, who achieved organ recovery before decannulation. None. Primary outcome was hospital mortality less than or equal to 30 days post extracorporeal membrane oxygenation decannulation. Among 11,096 patients, indication for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation was respiratory (6,206; 56%), cardiac (3,663; 33%), or cardiac arrest (extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, 1,227; 11%); the majority were supported with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation at some stage in their course (8,576 patients; 77%). Mortality was 13%. Factors associated with mortality included younger age (all < 1 yr categories compared with older, p < 0.05), lower weight among neonates (≤ 3 vs > 3 kg; p < 0.001), mode of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support (venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation compared with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, p < 0.001), longer admission to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation time (≥ 28 vs < 28 hr; p < 0.001), cardiac and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation compared with respiratory extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (both p < 0.001), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation duration greater than or equal to 135 hours (p < 0.001), preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation hypoxemia (PO2 ≤ 43 vs > 43 mm Hg; p < 0.001), preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation acidemia (p < 0.001), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation complications, particularly cerebral or renal (both p < 0.001). Despite extracorporeal membrane oxygenation decannulation for organ recovery, 13% of patients die in hospital. Mortality is associated with patient factors, preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation illness severity, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation management. Evidence-based strategies to optimize readiness for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation decannulation and postextracorporeal membrane oxygenation decannulation care are needed.

Thoracoscopic Repair of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia After Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Feasibility and Outcomes.

Thoracoscopic repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) has been associated with faster recovery, earlier extubation, and decreased morbidity. Nevertheless, thoracoscopic repair is rarely attempted in the post-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patient. Commonly cited reasons for not attempting thoracoscopy include concerns that the patients' respiratory status is too tenuous to tolerate insufflation pressures or that presumed defect size is so large that it precludes thoracoscopic repair. Our purpose is to review our experience with post-ECMO thoracoscopic CDH repair and evaluate the success of this approach. We performed retrospective analysis of attempted thoracoscopic CDH repairs after ECMO decannulation at our institution from 2001 to 2015. Primary outcome was rate of conversion. Secondary outcomes were intraoperative end-tidal CO2, time to extubation, and rate of recurrence. We identified 21 post-ECMO patients in whom thoracoscopic CDH repair was attempted. Thoracoscopic repair was successfully completed in 28%. No patients had reported intolerance to insufflation at 3-7 mmHg. Average end-tidal CO2 at 15 operative minutes was 36.9 mmHg in the thoracoscopic group versus 50.7 mmHg in the open group and at 60 minutes was 34.25 mmHg versus 45.6 mmHg, respectively. One patient in the thoracoscopic group died and 1 experienced a large pneumothorax. In the converted group there was one clinically significant pneumothorax and three pleural effusions. Survivors after thoracoscopy were extubated an average of 5.6 ± 2.6 days after surgery versus 19.4 ± 10 days in the converted group (P < .05). Recurrence rates at last follow-up were equal between the two groups at 20%. Thoracoscopic CDH repair is both safe and feasible after ECMO with no increase in operative morbidity or mortality. Insufflation pressures of 3-7 mmHg are well tolerated without undue increase in end-tidal CO2. When compared to conversion cases, thoracoscopic repair is associated with significantly decreased time to extubation with no difference in recurrence.

Short-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcome in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: The Impact of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Timing of Repair.

The purpose of this study was to assess the need and timing of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in relation to congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair as modifiers of short-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. Retrospective study. A specialized tertiary care center. Between June 2004 and February 2016, a total of 212 congenital diaphragmatic hernia survivors enrolled in our follow-up program. Neurodevelopmental outcome was assessed at a median age of 22 months (range, 5-37) using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, third edition. Fifty patients (24%) required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. Four patients (8%) were repaired prior to cannulation, 25 (50%) were repaired on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and 21 (42%) were repaired after decannulation. None. Children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, who required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation scored on average 4.6 points lower on cognitive composite (p = 0.031) and 9.2 points lower on the motor composite (p < 0.001). Language scores were similar between groups. Mean scores for children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia repaired on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were significantly lower for cognition (p = 0.021) and motor (p = 0.0005) outcome. Language scores were also lower, but did not reach significance. A total of 40% of children repaired on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation scored below average in all composites, whereas only 9% of the non-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, 4% of the repaired post-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and 25% of the repaired pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients scored below average across all domains. Only 20% of congenital diaphragmatic hernia survivors repaired on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support scored within the average range for all composite domains. Duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support was not associated with a higher likelihood of adverse cognitive (p = 0.641), language (p = 0.147), or motor (p = 0.720) outcome. Need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in congenital diaphragmatic hernia survivors is associated with worse neurocognitive and neuromotor outcome. Need for congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair while on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is associated with deficits in multiple domains. Overall time on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation did not impact neurodevelopmental outcome.

In-Hospital Neurologic Complications in Adult Patients Undergoing Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Results From the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry

To elucidate the epidemiology, complication profiles, hospital outcome, and predisposing factors of CNS complications occurring during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adults. Retrospective analysis of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry. Data reported to Extracorporeal Life Support Organization by 230 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation centers from 1992 to 2013. Patients more than 16 years old supported with a single-run of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. None. We examined 4,522 adult patients supported with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and included in the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was used for cardiac dysfunction in 3,005 patients (66.5%), cardiopulmonary resuscitation in 877 patients (19.4%), and respiratory failure in 640 patients (14.1%), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors independently associated with CNS injury. Neurologic complications occurred in 682 patients (15.1%), and included brain death in 358 patients (7.9%), cerebral infarction in 161 patients (3.6%), seizures in 83 patients (1.8%), and cerebral hemorrhage in 80 patients (1.8%). Multiple CNS complications in the same patient occurred in 70 cases. Hospital mortality in patients with CNS complications was 89%, compared with 57% in patients without (p < 0.001). In a multivariable model, age, pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cardiac arrest, the use of inotropes on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and post-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation hypoglycemia were shown to be associated with CNS complications. Neurologic complications in adult patients on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support are common and associated with poor survival. Further research should focus on better understanding and management of brain/extracorporeal membrane oxygenation interaction to avoid such catastrophic complications.

Short-term and longer-term survival after veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in an adult patient population: does older age matter?

Veno-arterial (V-A) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly being used for patients with refractory cardiopulmonary failure. This study evaluates the short-term (to discharge) and longer-term (1 year) survival among older (⩾65 years) versus younger (<65 years) adults, adjusted for comorbidities, in a diverse cohort of V-A ECMO patients. This was a retrospective cohort analysis of 131 adult patients (28% ⩾65 years old) who received V-A ECMO at an academic medical center from 2004-2013. Demographics, comorbidities and surgical characteristics were abstracted from the medical records and verified. Mortality status at discharge and at one year post-ECMO were determined by the hospital clinical information system, updated monthly with Social Security Death Index data. Cox proportional hazard analyses were conducted to evaluate associations between age strata and mortality at discharge and at one year post ECMO initiation, adjusted for covariates. The survival rate following V-A ECMO was 48% (n=68/131) to discharge and 44% (n=58/131) to one year. Age ⩾65 versus <65 was significantly associated with increased mortality during hospitalization (HR:2.03; 95%CI=1.23-3.33) and at one year (HR:1.81; 95% CI=1.12-2.93); these associations were attenuated and did not retain statistical significance after adjustment for comorbidities (HR:1.61; 95%CI=0.90-2.88 and HR:1.42; 95% CI=0.81-2.50, respectively). Statistically significant predictors of mortality at discharge and one year included history of coronary artery bypass graft, peripheral vascular disease and renal failure/dialysis (p<0.05). Older age was not independently associated with short-term or longer-term survival among V-A ECMO patients, but may reflect greater comorbidity, suggesting that age alone may not disqualify patients from V-A ECMO therapy.

Urinary Neutrophil Gelatinase–Associated Lipocalin Predicts Renal Injury Following Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

To evaluate the course of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and urinary kidney injury molecule-1 levels in young children during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and concomitant continuous hemofiltration. Furthermore, to evaluate whether these levels predict outcome. Prospective observational cohort study from July 2010 to July 2013. ICU of a level III university children's hospital. Thirty-one extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-treated children up to 1 year were included. None. Patients were weaned from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after a median of 162 hours (interquartile range, 83-304). Throughout the study, 58% of the patients met the criteria for acute kidney injury (i.e., Risk Injury Failure Loss End-Stage Renal Disease-Risk or higher defined as an increase in serum creatinine corresponding to ≥ 150% when compared with age-specific reference values). Levels of both biomarker patterns changed significantly throughout extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, p < 0.001 and urinary kidney injury molecule-1, p = 0.005, linear mixed model analyses). Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels were already high before extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, whereas urinary kidney injury molecule-1 levels increased throughout the first extracorporeal membrane oxygenation day and peaked at 12-24 hours. Also, urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels at 12-24 hours of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy were higher among patients with acute kidney injury post extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (p = 0.002, Mann-Whitney U test). Biomarker levels did not differ between survivors and nonsurvivors. The increased urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and urinary kidney injury molecule-1 levels confirm that renal tubular damage occurs in critically ill infants in need of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The fact that the maximal urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels were measured 24 hours earlier than urinary kidney injury molecule-1 supports the use of biomarker combinations rather than a single biomarker to identify patients at risk of acute kidney injury. Finally, since urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels at 12-24 hours of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy were associated with acute kidney injury post extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, this marker may facilitate more timely adjustment of therapeutic interventions.