Pre-extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Research Articles

Sepsis in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock patients supported with veno- arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Sepsis could affect the outcomes of patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Our objectives were to characterize sepsis patients with ECMO support for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock and assess its predictors and effect on patients' outcomes. This retrospective study included 103 patients with ECMO for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock from 2009 to 2020. Patients were divided according to the occurrence and timing of sepsis into three groups. Group 1 included patients with no sepsis (n = 67), Group 2 included patients with ECMO-related sepsis (n = 10), and Group 3 included patients with non-ECMO-related sepsis (n = 26). Lactate level before ECMO was highest in the ECMO-associated sepsis group (Group 1 and 2 p = 0.003 and Group 2 and 3 p = 0.003). Dialysis and gastrointestinal bleeding were highest in ECMO-associated sepsis (p = 0.03 and 0.04, respectively). Blood transfusion was higher in ECMO-associated sepsis than in patients with no sepsis (p = 0.01). Mortality was nonsignificantly higher in patients with ECMO-associated sepsis. High BMI (OR: 1.11; p = 0.004), preoperative dialysis (OR: 7.35; p = 0.02), preoperative IABP (OR: 9.9.61; p = 0.01) and CABG (OR: 6.29; p = 0.01) were significantly associated with sepsis. Older age (OR: 1.08; p = 0.004), lower BSA (OR: 0.004; p = 0.003), peripheral cannulation (OR: 29.82; p = 0.03), and high pre ECMO lactate level (OR: 1.24; p = 0.001) were associated with increased mortality. Sepsis did not predict mortality (OR: 1.83; p = 0.21). Sepsis is a dreaded complication in patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock, especially ECMO-associated sepsis. Preoperative risk factors could predict postoperative sepsis in ECMO patients.

Extracorporeal Life Support for Cardiogenic Shock in Octogenarians: Single Center Experience.

The age limit for the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support for post-cardiotomy cardiac failure is not defined. The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcomes of octogenarians supported with ECMO due to cardiogenic shock. A retrospective review of consecutive elderly patients supported with ECMO during a 13-year period in a tertiary care center. Patient's demographic variables, comorbidities, perioperative data and outcomes were collected from patient medical records. Data of octogenarian patients were compared with the septuagenarian group. The main outcomes of the study was in hospital mortality, 6-month survival and 1-year survival after hospital discharge and discharge options. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with hospital survival. Eleven patients (18.3%) in the elderly group were octogenarians (aged 80 years or above), and forty-nine (81.7%) were septuagenarians (aged 70-79 years). There were no differences except age in demographic and preoperative variables between groups. Pre ECMO SAVE, SOFA, SAPS-II and inotropic scores were significantly higher in septuagenarians than octogenarians. There was no statistically significant difference in hospital mortality, 6-month survival, 1 year survival or discharge options between groups. ECMO could be successfully used in selected octogenarian patients undergoing cardiac surgery to support a failing heart. An early decision to initiate ECMO therapy in elderly post-cardiotomy shock patients is associated with favorable outcomes.

POST – CARDIOTOMY EXTRACORPOREAL LIFE SUPPORT IN OCTOGENARIANS: SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE

<h3>Background</h3> Recently extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is becoming the first line treatment option for post-cardiotomy cardiac failure. The age limit for the use of support is yet to be defined. The aim of our study was to evaluate outcomes of octogenarians supported with ECMO following cardiac surgery in our institution. <h3>Methods</h3> Retrospective review of consecutive elderly patients (age ≥ 70 years) supported with ECMO following surgery during 13 years period in a tertiary care center. Patient's demographic variables, comorbidities, pre-existing medical conditions, perioperative data and outcomes were collected from patient medical records. Data of octogenarian patients were compared with the septuagenarian patient group. The primary endpoint of the study was in-hospital mortality. <h3>Results</h3> Sixty patients in our study were ≥ 70 years old and were included in the final analysis as "elderly group". Eleven patients (18,3 %) in the elderly group were octogenarians (aged 80 years or above) and forty nine (81,7 %) were septuagenarians (aged 70 – 79 years). There was no difference except age in all demographic and preoperative variables between groups. In the majority of cases VA ECMO was initiated in the intensive care unit after surgery (n=37, 61,7 %) and 23 cases (38,3 %) were initiated in the operating room. Central cannulation was more common in septuagenarian group than octogenarian group (83,7 % vs 54,5 %, p = 0,034 respectively). The median duration of ECMO support was 148 (71 – 288) hours and was longer in septuagenarian group (178 (92 – 300) hours vs 70 (46 – 93) hours in octogenarian group, p = 0,007). Pre ECMO Save, SOFA, SAPS – II and inotropic scores were significantly higher in septuagenarians than octogenarians. Pre ECMO data are shown in Table 1. Thirty one patient (52 %) were successfully weaned form ECMO and 13 (22 %) patients survived to hospital discharge. There was no statistically significant difference in hospital mortality between groups (7 (64%) octogenarian group vs. 40 (82%) septuagenarian group, p = 0,19). <h3>Conclusion</h3> ECMO could be successfully used in selected octogenarian patients undergoing cardiac surgery to support failing heart function with acceptable survival rate. Further studies needed to evaluate long term outcomes.

Retrospective Analysis of Arterial Carbon Dioxide Level and Arterial pH Level at the Time of Initiation of Respiratory ECMO and Outcome

AbstractIntroduction Respiratory extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is well established and its popularity has increased during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) time. The efficacy of ECMO has been proved in refractory respiratory failure with varied etiology. More than 85,000 respiratory ECMO cases (neonatal, pediatric, adult) registered as per Extracorporeal Life support Organization (ELSO) statistics April 2022 report, with survived to discharge or transfer ranging from 58 to 73%. Early initiation of ECMO is usually associated with shorter ECMO run and better outcome. Many patient factors have been associated with mortality while on ECMO. Pre-ECMO patient pH and arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (paCO2) have been associated with poor outcome. We designed a retrospective study from a single tertiary care center and analyzed our data of all respiratory ECMO (neonatal, pediatric, and adult) to understand the effect of pre ECMO, paCO2, and arterial pH to ECMO outcome.Methods It is a retrospective analysis of data collected of patients with acute respiratory failure managed on ECMO from January 2010 to December 2021. Pre-ECMO (1–6 hours before initiation), paCO2, and arterial pH level were noted and analyzed with primary and secondary outcome. Primary outcome goal was survivor and discharged home versus nonsurvivor, while secondary goal was the number of ECMO days and incidence of neurological complications. The statistical analysis was done for primary outcome and incidences of neurological complications and p-value obtained by using chi-squared method. Meta-analysis was done by classifying the respiratory ECMO cases in three major category—COVID-19, H1N1 non-COVID-19, and H1N1 respiratory failure.Results The total 256 patients of respiratory failure were treated with ECMO during specified period by Riddhi Vinayak Multispecialty Hospital ECMO team. Data analysis of 251 patients (5 patients were transferred for lung transplant, hence been not included in study) done. Patients were divided on the basis of pH level less than 7.2 and more than 7.2 and analyzed for primary and secondary outcome. Similarly, patients were divided on the basis of paCO2 level of less than 45 and more than 45.Patient with pre-ECMO pH level more than 7.2 has statistically better survived extracorporeal life support (ECLS) (p-value: 0.008) and survival to discharge home (p-value: 0.038) chances. Pre-ECMO paCO2 level of less than 45 also showed better survival chance of survived ECLS (46.67 vs. 36.02) and survived to discharge home (42.22 vs. 31.06) but not statistically significant (p-value: 0.15 and 0.18, respectively). There was no significant difference in average number of ECMO days in patient survived to discharge home with paCO2 less than 45 and more than 45 (15.7 vs. 11.1 days), and also in pH more than 7.2 and pH less than 7.2 (15.8 vs. 11.6). The incidence of neurological complications was also found lower in patient with pH more than 7.2 (7.5 vs. 17.3%, p-value: 0.034) and in paCO2 level of less than 45 (4.4 vs. 12.65, p-value: 0.15).Conclusion Pre-ECMO arterial pH of more than 7.2 (statistically significant) and paCO2 of less than 45 (statistically not significant) have definitely better survival chances and have lesser incidences of neurological complications. There was no significance difference in the number of ECMO days in either group. Authors recommends early initiation of ECMO for mortality and morbidity benefits.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Respiratory Failure Related to COVID-19: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

Background:Despite expanding use, knowledge on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support during the COVID-19 pandemic remains limited. The objective was to report characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with a diagnosis of COVID-19 in France and to identify pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation factors associated with in-hospital mortality. A hypothesis of similar mortality rates and risk factors for COVID-19 and non–COVID-19 patients on venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was made.Methods:The Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Respiratory Failure and/or Heart failure related to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (ECMOSARS) registry included COVID-19 patients supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in France. This study analyzed patients included in this registry up to October 25, 2020, and supported by venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for respiratory failure with a minimum follow-up of 28 days after cannulation. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Risk factors for in-hospital mortality were analyzed.Results:Among 494 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients included in the registry, 429 were initially supported by venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and followed for at least 28 days. The median (interquartile range) age was 54 yr (46 to 60 yr), and 338 of 429 (79%) were men. Management before extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation included prone positioning for 411 of 429 (96%), neuromuscular blockage for 419 of 427 (98%), and NO for 161 of 401 (40%). A total of 192 of 429 (45%) patients were cannulated by a mobile extracorporeal membrane oxygenation unit. In-hospital mortality was 219 of 429 (51%), with a median follow-up of 49 days (33 to 70 days). Among pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation modifiable exposure variables, neuromuscular blockage use (hazard ratio, 0.286; 95% CI, 0.101 to 0.81) and duration of ventilation (more than 7 days compared to less than 2 days; hazard ratio, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.07 to 2.83) were independently associated with in-hospital mortality. Both age (per 10-yr increase; hazard ratio, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.50) and total bilirubin at cannulation (6.0 mg/dl or more compared to less than 1.2 mg/dl; hazard ratio, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.09 to 6.5) were confounders significantly associated with in-hospital mortality.Conclusions:In-hospital mortality was higher than recently reported, but nearly half of the patients survived. A high proportion of patients were cannulated by a mobile extracorporeal membrane oxygenation unit. Several factors associated with mortality were identified. Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support should be considered early within the first week of mechanical ventilation initiation.

Prediction of 6-Month Mortality Using Pre-Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Lactate in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome Undergoing Veno-Arterial-Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

BackgroundThe effectiveness of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for patients with refractory cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest is being established, and serum lactate is well known as a biomarker of end-organ perfusion. We evaluated the efficacy of pre-ECMO lactate for predicting 6-month survival in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing ECMO.MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of 148 patients who underwent veno-arterial (VA) ECMO for ACS between January 2015 and June 2020. These patients were divided into survivors and non-survivors based on 6-month survival. All clinical data before and during ECMO were compared between the 2 groups.ResultsPatients’ mean age was 66.0±10.5 years, and 116 (78.4%) were men. The total survival rate was 45.9% (n=68). Cox regression analysis showed that the pre-ECMO lactate level was an independent predictor of 6-month mortality (hazard ratio, 1.210; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.064–1.376; p=0.004). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of pre-ECMO lactate was 0.64 (95% CI, 0.56–0.72; p=0.002; cut-off value=9.8 mmol/L). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the cumulative survival rate at 6 months was significantly higher among patients with a pre-ECMO lactate level of 9.8 mmol/L or less than among those with a level exceeding 9.8 mmol/L (57.3% vs. 31.8%, p=0.0008).ConclusionA pre-ECMO lactate of 9.8 mmol/L or less may predict a favorable outcome at 6 months in ACS patients undergoing VA-ECMO. Further research aiming to improve the accuracy of predictions of reversibility in patients with high pre-ECMO lactate levels is essential.

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.

The Use of Extracorporeal Life Support in Children With Immune-Mediated Diseases.

To describe the use and outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support among children with immune-mediated conditions. Retrospective cohort study. The Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry. Patients 1 month to 18 years old with International Classification of Diseases, 9th Edition and International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition codes for immune-mediated conditions from 1989 to 2018. None. During the study period, 207 patients with an immune-mediated condition received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and 50% survived to discharge. Most patients (63%) received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for respiratory support with 53% survival, 21% received cardiac support (55% survival), and 15% received extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (34% survival). The most common diagnosis among nonsurvivors was hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis/macrophage activation syndrome with 37% survival. Patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (23%) and dermatomyositis (25%) had the lowest survival. Nonsurvivors had a higher frequency of infections, neurologic complications, and renal replacement therapy use. Use of preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation corticosteroids was associated with mortality. Children with immune-mediated conditions can be successfully supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use has increased over time, and survival varies considerably by diagnosis.

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.

SAVE score with lactate modification predicts in-hospital mortality in patients with ongoing cardiac arrest during VA-ECMO cannulation.

The survival after veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation score and its lactate modification predict in-hospital mortality in patients based on pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation variables. Cardiac arrest history is a significant variable in these scores; however, patients with ongoing cardiac arrest during cannulation were excluded from these models. The goal of this study is to validate the survival after veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation score with a lactate modification among patients with ongoing cardiac arrest. In our study, the survival after veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation score predicted mortality in all patients, but did so with higher discrimination among ongoing cardiac arrest patients with a lactate modification.

Ventilation Parameters Before Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenator and In-Hospital Mortality in Children: A Review of the ELSO Registry.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) ventilatory parameters with in-hospital mortality in children with pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome undergoing ECMO for respiratory indication. In this retrospective analysis of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) Registry, all pediatric patients (≥29 days to ≤18 years) who required ECMO for respiratory indications were screened. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. From 2013 to 2017, 2,727 pediatric ECMO runs with a respiratory indication were reported to the ELSO registry. Overall mortality was 37%. Oxygenation Index (OI) and duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) before ECMO deployment were both independently associated with in-hospital mortality. No threshold effect for OI was observed. Pre-ECMO positive end-expiratory pressure and delta pressure levels were respectively lower and higher than recommended. Mortality rates for OI values between 4 and 60 and above oscillated between 32% and 45%. Children within a wider range of pre-ECMO OI (either below or above 40) might be considered as reasonable candidates for ECMO deployment. Larger, prospective multicenter studies to confirm the discriminatory ability of OI are warranted.

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.

Risk Factors of Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Strokes During Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Analysis of Data From the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry.

Stroke is commonly reported in patients receiving venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, but risk factors are not well described. We sought to determine preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation and on-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation risk factors for both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes in patients with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. Retrospective analysis. Data reported to the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization by 366 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation centers from 2013 to 2019. Patients older than 18 years supported with a single run of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. None. Of 15,872 venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients, 812 (5.1%) had at least one type of acute brain injury, defined as ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, or brain death. Overall, 215 (1.4%) experienced ischemic stroke and 484 (3.1%) experienced hemorrhagic stroke. Overall inhospital mortality was 36%, but rates were higher in those with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke (68% and 73%, respectively). In multivariable analysis, preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation pH (adjusted odds ratio = 0.10; 95% CI, 0.03-0.35; p < 0.001), hemolysis (adjusted odds ratio = 2.27; 95% CI, 1.22-4.24; p = 0.010), gastrointestinal hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio = 2.01; 95% CI 1.12-3.59; p = 0.019), and disseminated intravascular coagulation (adjusted odds ratio = 3.61; 95% CI, 1.51-8.66; p = 0.004) were independently associated with ischemic stroke. Pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation pH (adjusted odds ratio = 0.28; 95% CI, 0.12-0.65; p = 0.003), preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation Po2 (adjusted odds ratio = 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93-0.99; p = 0.021), gastrointestinal hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio = 1.70; 95% CI, 1.15-2.51; p = 0.008), and renal replacement therapy (adjusted odds ratio=1.57; 95% CI, 1.22-2.02; p < 0.001) were independently associated with hemorrhagic stroke. Among venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients in the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry, approximately 5% had acute brain injury. Mortality rates increased two-fold when ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes occurred. Risk factors such as lower pH and hypoxemia during the pericannulation period and markers of coagulation disturbances were associated with acute brain injury. Further research on understanding preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation and on-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation risk factors and the timing of acute brain injury is necessary to develop appropriate prevention and management strategies.

Neuron-Specific Enolase Levels in Adults Under Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

We aimed to determine if elevations in serum neuron-specific enolase are associated with brain injury and outcomes in adults who require venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Prospective observational study. Two ICUs of a university hospital, Paris, France. Consecutive adult patients treated with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for refractory cardiogenic shock or in-hospital refractory cardiac arrest. None. Serum sampled 1, 3, and 7 days after venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation was stored at -80°C and neuron-specific enolase concentrations were measured in batches at the end of the study. The association between neuron-specific enolase concentrations and outcomes (28-d mortality and poor outcome, defined by a score of 4-6 on the modified Rankin scale at 90 d) were explored by multivariable logistic regression, with neuron-specific enolase concentrations dichotomized according to median values. One-hundred three patients were included, of whom 26 (25%) received preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Median (interquartile range) day-1, day-3, and day-7 neuron-specific enolase serum concentrations were 37 μg/L (26-51 μg/L), 25 μg/L (19-37) μg/L, and 22 μg/L (17-31 μg/L). After adjustment for Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and Sepsis Organ Failure Assessment score at time of cannulation, a day-3 neuron-specific enolase greater than 25 μg/L remained independently associated with 28-day mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 4.98; 95% CI, 1.86-13.32) and poor outcome at 90 days (adjusted odds ratio, 4.63; 95% CI, 1.81-11.84). A day-3 neuron-specific enolase threshold greater than 80 μg/L had a 100% specificity for prediction of both mortality (95% CI, 92-100%) and poor functional outcome (95% CI, 89-100%). In a subset of patients who underwent brain CT, neuron-specific enolase concentrations were significantly higher in patients diagnosed with stroke, as compared with those without stroke. In adult patients under venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, day-3 serum neuron-specific enolase concentrations are independently associated with short-term mortality and poor functional outcomes. These findings deserve validation in a multicenter setting.

Acute Brain Injury in Infant Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: An Autopsy Study.

Characterization of the types and timing of acute brain injury in infant autopsy patients after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Retrospective cohort study. Single tertiary-care center. Infants supported on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Clinical and pathologic records were reviewed for infant extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients who had undergone brain autopsy in a single center between January 2009 and December 2018. Twenty-four patients supported on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation had postmortem examination with brain autopsy. Median age at extracorporeal membrane oxygenation initiation was 82 days (interquartile range, 11-263 d), median age at time of death was 20 weeks (interquartile range, 5-44 wk), and median extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support duration was 108 hours (interquartile range, 35-366 hr). The most common acute brain injury found at autopsy was hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (58%) followed by intracranial hemorrhage (29%). The most common types of intracranial hemorrhage were intracerebral (17%), subarachnoid (17%), and subdural (8%). Only five infants (21%) did not have acute brain injury. Correlates of acute brain injury included low preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation oxygen saturation as well as elevated liver enzymes, total bilirubin, and lactate on days 1 and 3 of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Gestational age, Apgar scores, birth weight, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation duration, anticoagulation therapy, and renal and hepatic impairments were not associated with acute brain injury. Acute brain injury was observed in 79% of autopsies conducted in infants supported on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Hypoxic-ischemic brain injury was the most common type of brain injury (58%), and further associations with preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation acute brain injury require additional exploration.

Outcomes of Pediatric Patients Treated With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Intractable Supraventricular Arrhythmias.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is used to support refractory cardiorespiratory failure. Outcomes and complications when extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is used to support cardiorespiratory failure secondary to arrhythmia in pediatric patients remain poorly defined. Our purpose is to describe pediatric patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for supraventricular arrhythmias in the context of normal cardiac anatomy and congenital heart disease and identify patient/peri-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation variables associated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-related complications and survival. Retrospective multicenter review from 1993 to 2016. Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry. Patients younger than 21 years old requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for supraventricular arrhythmias. None. A total of 342 patients were identified (weight, 3.8 kg [3.2-7.5 kg]; age at extracorporeal membrane oxygenation initiation, 24 d [6-222]; 61% male). Sixty-five percentage survived to hospital discharge. Complications were frequent (85%) and most commonly cardiac related (31%). In multivariable modeling, mortality was associated with congenital heart disease, time from intubation to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation initiation, use of bicarbonate prior to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation duration, and the presence of a complication. The presence of any complication was associated with a three-fold increase in the odds of death. In subgroup analysis of isolated supraventricular arrhythmias patients, similar patient and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation characteristics were associated with outcome. A lower pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation pH and PCO2 and site of venous cannulation were associated with complications (p < 0.02). Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use for medically refractory supraventricular arrhythmias was associated with a 65% survival to hospital discharge. However, there was a high rate of complications, the presence of which was associated with decreased survival. Complications appeared to be related to pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation clinical status and whether earlier extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation prior to patient deterioration would improve outcomes needs additional evaluation.

Prevalence of Seizures and Risk Factors for Mortality in a Continuous Cohort of Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Patients.

To evaluate the risk factors for mortality in pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients. Retrospective, single-center study. PICU and Pediatric cardiothoracic ICU in an urban, quaternary care center. All neonatal and pediatric patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation at our institution between January 2014 and December 2018, who underwent a standardized continuous electroencephalogram neuromonitoring protocol during most of the duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. We excluded patients who had extracorporeal membrane oxygenation initiated at another institution. None. Sixty-six children required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support during this period. Four patients were excluded, three due to lack of electroencephalogram data, one with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation initiated at other institution. In the remaining 62, 11 patients (17%) had seizures, of which 5 (45%) had status epilepticus. Eight of 11 patients (72%) had exclusively electrographic seizures. A total of 33 patients (53.2%) died, of which 22 died during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation course, and one died 3 years after hospital discharge. Mean survival from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation initiation was 766.9 days (standard deviation, 691.7; median, 546.5; interquartile range 1-3, 97.7-1255.0). In multivariate analysis, increased risk of mortality was associated with the use of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (hazard ratio, 4.33; 95% CI, 1.75-10.72; p = 0.002), imaging findings of cerebral edema (hazard ratio, 14.31; 95% CI, 5.18-39.54; p < 0.001), high lactate level (> 100 mg/dL within 2 hr preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation) (hazard ratio, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.03-1.44; p = 0.022), and prolonged deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (hazard ratio, 3.43; 95% CI, 1.65-7.13; p < 0.001). Presence of seizures was associated with imaging findings of cerebral edema (hazard ratio, 4.16; 95% CI, 1.04-16.58; p = 0.04). Seizures are common in children requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, with a high rate of electrographic seizures and status epilepticus, as in prior studies. Presence of cerebral edema is both risk factor for mortality and seizures. Other risk factors for mortality include extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, high lactate levels, and prolonged deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.

Survival following venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock adults.

Background:Studies reporting long-term outcomes of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation–treated coronary artery bypass grafting patients are scarce. The objective of this study was to examine the survival outcomes and identify mortality risk factors for coronary artery bypass grafting patients who received venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock.Methods:Data from 121 consecutive venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation–treated coronary artery bypass grafting patients at the Beijing Anzhen Hospital between January 2012 and December 2016 were analyzed. Multivariable Cox regression modeling was used to identify factors independently associated with 36-month mortality.Results:Seventy-seven patients (64%) could be weaned from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, 56 patients (46%) survived to hospital discharge, and 41 patients (34%) survived to 36 months. Older age (hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.10; p < 0.001), left main coronary artery disease (hazard ratio, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.04-2.59; p < 0.001), and vasoactive inotropic score (hazard ratio, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.02-1.16; p = 0.011) were independent risk factors associated with 36-month mortality. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the logistic regression model, which was constructed with three pre–extracorporeal membrane oxygenation parameters—age ⩾ 60 years, left main coronary artery disease, and vasoactive inotropic score > 60—was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.81-0.94). Age and left main coronary artery disease significantly increased the discriminatory performance of Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment score (0.79 vs. 0.91, p = 0.025).Conclusions:Older age, left main coronary artery disease, and vasoactive inotropic score were associated with 36-month mortality in coronary artery bypass grafting patients who received venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Pregnancy: An Analysis of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry.

We examined data from the International Registry of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization to identify risk factors for mortality in pregnant and peripartum patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Retrospective analysis. International Registry of Extracorporeal Life Support Organization. We collected de-identified data on all peripartum patients who needed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation between 1997 and 2017 using International Classification of Diseases, 9th and 10th Edition criteria. Our primary outcome measure was in-hospital mortality. We also collected data on demographics, preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation ventilator, hemodynamic and biochemical parameters, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation mode, duration, and complications. Initial bivariate analysis assessed potential associations between survival and various preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation as well as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-related factors. Variables with p values of less than 0.1 were considered for logistic regression analysis which identified predictors of mortality. There were 280 peripartum patients who received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Overall maternal survival was 70%, with observed mortality for these patients decreasing over the 21-year time period. Multivariate regression identified extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (odds ratio, 3.674; 95% CI, 1.425-9.473; overall p = 0.025), duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (< 66 hr: odds ratio, 1; 66-128 hr: odds ratio, 0.281; 95% CI, 0.101-0.777; p = 0.014; 128-232 hr: odds ratio, 0.474; 95% CI, 0.191-1.174; p = 0.107; and > 232 hr: odds ratio, 1.084; 95% CI, 0.429-2.737; p = 0.864; overall p = 0.017), and renal complications on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (odds ratio, 2.346; 95% CI, 1.203-4.572; p = 0.012) as significant risk factors for mortality. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality between venovenous versus venoarterial versus mixed group extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (23.9 vs 34.4 vs 29.4%; p = 0.2) or between pulmonary versus cardiac indications (1.634; 95% CI, 0.797-3.352; p = 0.18) for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. On analysis of this multicenter database, pregnant and peripartum patients with refractory cardiac or respiratory failure supported on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation had survival rates of 70%. We identified preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation as well as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-related factors that are associated with mortality.

Electrographic Seizures and Brain Injury in Children Requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

BackgroundSingle-center studies suggest that up to 30% of children undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation have electrographic seizures. The aim of this study was to characterize seizure prevalence, seizure risk factors, and brain injury prevalence in the pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation population at a tertiary care children’s hospital. MethodsWe performed a retrospective systematic review of medical records for 86 consecutive children (neonates to age 21 years) who received Neurology consults and continuous video electroencephalography while undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation from November 2015 to September 2018. ResultsContinuous video electroencephalography was initiated in 86 of 170 children who required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (51%); median duration of continuous vodeo electroencephalography was four days. Nineteen of 86 had electroencephalography-confirmed seizures (22%). Sixteen of 19 had seizures within the first 48 hours on continuous video electroencephalography. Interictal epileptiform discharges were a significant risk factor for seizures; 89% of those with seizures versus 46% of those without had interictal epileptiform discharges (P < 0.001, Fisher’s exact test). Children with seizures also had higher pericannulation lactate (median 6.7, interquartile range of 4.3 to 19.0 for those with, and median 4.0, interquartile range of 2.0 to 7.3 for those without; P = 0.02, Mann-Whitney U test). Seizures were associated with hemorrhage on neuroimaging (68% of children with seizures had intracranial hemorrhage versus 34% of those without, P = 0.01, chi-square test). ConclusionApproximately half the children undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation received continuous video electroencephalography during the study period, and 22% had seizures. Interictal epileptiform discharges and elevated pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation lactate levels were risk factors for seizures; seizures were associated with intracranial hemorrhage.