Nosocomial infections in adult cardiogenic shock patients supported by venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Impact of early nutrition route in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Early nutrition management in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) remains controversial. Despite its potentially beneficial effect, enteral nutrition (EN) could be associated with gastrointestinal (GI) complications. Total daily energy requirements remain difficult to achieve with ECMO support. Analysis of nutrition practices could improve nutrition management of this particular population.

METHODS

A monocentric retrospective study of patients requiring ECMO in a cardiac surgery intensive care unit (ICU) between 2010 and 2014 with follow-up ≥6 days. Nutrition support was monitored daily until ECMO weaning. We compared patients exposed (EN group, n = 49) and unexposed (No EN group (NEN), n = 63) with EN, as well as the energy and protein intakes within 4 days after initiation of ECMO. Vital status and nosocomial infections were followed up until ICU discharge. Primary outcome was the incidence of GI intolerance and risk-factor identification. Secondary outcomes included impact of nutrition inadequacy and clinical outcome.

RESULTS

A total 112 patients were analyzed, representing 969 nutrition days. Median ratio of energy and protein prescribed/required daily was 81% (58-113) and 56% (36-86), respectively. GI intolerance was experienced by 53% (26 of 49) of patients in the EN group and was only associated with ECMO duration (odds ratio, 1.14: 95% CI, 1.00-1.31; P = .05). Low-energy and protein days were not associated with clinical outcomes such as nosocomial infections.

CONCLUSION

EN is associated with almost 50% GI intolerance without clinical benefit for patients receiving ECMO. Adequacy in energy and protein amounts did not affect clinical outcome.

Analysis of the 2020 EACTS/ELSO/STS/AATS Expert Guidelines on the Management of Adult Postcardiotomy Extracorporeal Life Support

Extracorporeal life support (ECLS), also known as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), increasingly is used in postcardiotomy (PC) shock to facilitate a bridge to sustained recovery, long-term mechanical support, or heart transplantation. Given increasing prevalence and complexity of PC-ECLS, a joint expert consensus guideline was created in 2020 for management of adult PC-ECLS by the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS), the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO), the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), and the American Association of Thoracic Surgery (AATS). The aim of this analysis was to comprehensively review the expert consensus guidelines, with particular emphasis on PC-ECLS candidacy, timing, cannula configuration, left ventricular distention, anticoagulation, ECLS weaning, and intensive care unit complications. This analysis finds the expert consensus guideline to be timely, pertinent, and clinically valuable, although there remains the need for larger clinical trials to codify best practices.

Meropenem Pharmacokinetics and Target Attainment in Critically Ill Patients Are Not Affected by Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Matched Cohort Analysis

Existing evidence is inconclusive whether meropenem dosing should be adjusted in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Therefore, the aim of this observational matched cohort study was to evaluate the effect of ECMO on pharmacokinetic (PK) variability and target attainment (TA) of meropenem. Patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) simultaneously treated with meropenem and ECMO were eligible. Patients were matched 1:1, based on renal function and body weight, with non-ECMO ICU patients. Meropenem blood sampling was performed over one or two dosing intervals. Population PK modelling was performed using NONMEM7.5. TA was defined as free meropenem concentrations >2 or 8 mg/L (i.e., 1 or 4× minimal inhibitory concentration, respectively) throughout the whole dosing interval. In total, 25 patients were included, contributing 27 dosing intervals. The overall TA was 56% and 26% for the 2 mg/L and 8 mg/L target, respectively. Population PK modelling identified estimated glomerular filtration rate according to the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology equation and body weight, but not ECMO, as significant predictors. In conclusion, TA of meropenem was confirmed to be poor under standard dosing in critically ill patients but was not found to be influenced by ECMO. Future studies should focus on applying dose optimisation strategies for meropenem based on renal function, regardless of ECMO.

Microbiological Spectrum of Nosocomial ECMO Infections in a Tertiary Care Center

INTRODUCTION

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-saving treatment in cardiogenic and respiratory shock. It is prone to various complications, infection being among the most frequent. This study aims to define the prevalence and characteristics of infections in ECMO patients in a tertiary care center for cardiac diseases.

METHODS

All ECMO patients between 2012 and 2016 in a single cardiac center were retrospectively included. Demographic data, ECMO indications, type, site, duration, and infection-related data were recorded. Data were analyzed among all patients and separately between pediatric and adult patient groups.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-six patients, 66 (53.4%) pediatric and 60 (47.6%) adult, received ECMO within the study period. Mean age was 3.54±4.27 years in the pediatric group and 54.92±15.57 years in the adult group. The main indication for ECMO was postcardiotomy shock (77.8%). Forty-six (36.5%) of all cases developed a culture-proven nosocomial infection with a rate of 49/1000 ECMO days. Infection was associated with > 5 days of ECMO duration and hemodialysis requirement in all patients and lower age in the pediatric group. The most frequent infection site was the lower respiratory tract (14.3%), while the most common isolated organisms were Klebsiella (8.7%) and Streptococcus (4.8%) species.

CONCLUSION

The respiratory tract is the most common site of infection, however, all sites impose a threat to recovery, with longer treatment durations required for patients with culture-proven infections. A better understanding of the infectious spectrum and its effect on the mortality and morbidity is required for more successful treatment of ECMO patients.

Joint EAPCI/ACVC expert consensus document on percutaneous ventricular assist devices

There has been a significant increase in the use of short-term percutaneous ventricular assist devices (pVADs) as acute circulatory support in cardiogenic shock and to provide haemodynamic support during interventional procedures, including high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions. Although frequently considered together, pVADs differ in their haemodynamic effects, management, indications, insertion techniques, and monitoring requirements. This consensus document summarizes the views of an expert panel by the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) and the Association for Acute Cardiovascular Care (ACVC) and appraises the value of short-term pVAD. It reviews the pathophysiological context and possible indications for pVAD in different clinical settings and provides guidance regarding the management of pVAD based on existing evidence and best current practice.

The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the treatment of fulminant myocarditis: Current progress and clinical outcomes

Myocarditis is an inflammatory condition of the myocardium and is usually categorised as acute nonfulminant and acute fulminant myocarditis. Myocardial injury can result via viral infections, direct injury or immune responses. Fulminant myocarditis can be characterised by severe and sudden cardiac inflammation that may result from cardiogenic shock, ventricular arrhythmias or multi-organ system failure. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), also known as extracorporeal life support, is an effective technique for patients with fulminant myocarditis, providing heart and lung support and adequate gas exchange or perfusion to sustain life. Essentially, ECMO pumps blood out of the body to an oxygenator that acts as an artificial lung, which adds oxygen to the blood and removes carbon dioxide. This report aims to review recent advances in ECMO and relate case studies of fulminant myocarditis patients. The types of ECMO, predictive factors for success, clinical studies and recent technological advances in the field will be discussed.

Impact of a Modified Institutional Protocol on Outcomes After Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Refractory Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the impact of the modification of the authors' institutional protocol on outcomes after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

DESIGN

An observational analysis. The protocol complied with national recommendations. A further eligibility criterion was added since January 2015: the presence of sustained shockable rhythm at extracorporeal life support (ECLS) implantation. To assess the impact of this change, patients were divided into two groups: (1) from January 2010 to December 2014 (group A) and (2) from January 2015 to December 2019 (group B). The primary endpoint was survival to hospital discharge with good neurologic outcome. Predictors of survival were searched with multivariate analyses.

SETTING

University hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Adult patients supported with ECPR for refractory OHCA.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

From January 2010 to December 2019, 85 patients had ECLS for OHCA (group A, n = 68, 80%; group B, n = 17, 20%). The mean age was 42.4 years, 78.8% were male. The rate of implantation of ECLS was significantly lower in group B (p = 0.01). Mortality during ECLS support was significantly lower (58.8 v 86.8%; p = 0.008), and the weaning rate was significantly higher (41.2 v 13.2%; p = 0.008) in group B. Survival to discharge with good neurologic outcome was significantly improved (23.5 v 4.4%; p = 0.027) in group B. A sustained shockable rhythm was the only independent predictor of survival to hospital discharge with good neurologic outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The modification of the authors' institutional protocol throughout the further criterion of sustained shockable rhythm yielded a favorable impact on outcomes after ECPR for OHCA.

Risk factors and prognosis of nosocomial pneumonia in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a retrospective study

Objective

We aimed to examine the risk factors and prognosis of nosocomial pneumonia (NP) during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data of patients who received ECMO at the Affiliated Hangzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between January 2013 and August 2019. The primary outcome was the survival-to-discharge rate.

Results

Sixty-nine patients who received ECMO were enrolled, median age 42 years and 26 (37.7%) women; 14 (20.3%) patients developed NP. The NP incidence was 24.7/1000 ECMO days. Patients with NP had a higher proportion receiving veno-venous (VV) ECMO (50% vs. 7.3%); longer ECMO support duration (276 vs. 140 hours), longer ventilator support duration before ECMO weaning (14.5 vs. 6 days), lower ECMO weaning success rate (50.0% vs. 81.8%), and lower survival-to-discharge rate (28.6% vs. 72.7%) than patients without NP. Multivariable analysis showed independent risk factors that predicted NP during ECMO were ventilator support duration before ECMO weaning (odds ratio [OR] = 1.288; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.111–1.494) and VV ECMO mode (OR = 10.970; 95% CI: 1.758–68.467).

Conclusion

NP during ECMO was associated with ventilator support duration before ECMO weaning and VV ECMO mode. Clinicians should shorten the respiratory support duration for patients undergoing ECMO to prevent NP.

Tissue adhesives for bacterial inhibition in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulae

BACKGROUND

One of the most serious complications of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy is ECMO cannulae infection, which can occur at quadruple the rate of central venous catheter infections, and significantly impact morbidity and paediatric mortality. The objective of this in vitro observational study was to assess antimicrobial properties of two n-butyl-2-octyl cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (TA) formulations for bacterial inhibition at peripheral ECMO cannulae insertion sites.

METHODS

Antimicrobial properties were assessed using modified agar disk-diffusion (n = 3) and simulated agar cannulation insertion site (n = 20) models. Both assays used Staphylococcus epidermidis which was seeded at the edge of the TA or dressing. Microorganism inhibition was visually inspected and evidenced by the presence or absence of a TA bacterial inhibition zone at 24 and 72 h.

RESULTS

Both TAs provided effective barriers to bacterial migration under cannula dressings, to cannula insertion sites and down cannula tunnels. Additionally, both TAs demonstrated distinct zones of inhibition produced when left to polymerise onto agar plates seeded with S. epidermidis.

CONCLUSIONS

N-Butyl-2-octyl cyanoacrylate TA appears to inhibit bacterial growth and migration of S. epidermidis. Application of TA to cannulae insertion sites may therefore be a potential bedside strategy for infection prevention in ECMO cannulae, but requires further testing before being used clinically for this purpose.

Different characteristics of bloodstream infection during venoarterial and venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adult patients

Currently, there is scarcity of data on whether differences exist in clinical characteristics and outcomes of bloodstream infection (BSI) between venoarterial (VA) and venovenous (VV) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and whether they differ between Candida BSI and bacteremia in adult ECMO patients. We retrospectively reviewed data of patients who required ECMO for > 48 h and had BSIs while receiving ECMO between January 2015 and June 2020. Cases with a positive blood culture result within 24 h of ECMO implantation were excluded. We identified 94 (from 64 of 194 patients) and 38 (from 17 of 56 patients) BSI episodes under VA and VV ECMO, respectively. Fifty nine BSIs of VA ECMO (59/94, 62.8%) occurred in the first 2 weeks after ECMO implantation, whereas 24 BSIs of VV ECMO (24/38, 63.2%) occurred after 3 weeks of ECMO implantation. Gram-negative bacteremia (39/59, 66.1%) and gram-positive bacteremia (10/24, 41.7%) were the most commonly identified BSI types in the first 2 weeks after VA ECMO implantation and after 3 weeks of VV implantation, respectively. Timing of Candida BSI was early (6/11, 54.5% during the first 2 weeks) in VA ECMO and late (6/9, 66.7% after 3 weeks of initiation) in VV ECMO. Compared with bacteremia, Candida BSI showed no differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes during VA and VV ECMO, except the significant association with prior exposure to carbapenem in VA ECMO (vs. gram-negative bacteremia [P = 0.006], vs. gram-positive bacteremia [P = 0.03]). Our results suggest that ECMO modes may affect BSI clinical features and timing. In particular, Candida BSI occurrence during the early course of VA ECMO is not uncommon, especially in patients with prior carbapenem exposure; however, it usually occurs during the prolonged course of VV ECMO. Consequently, routine blood culture surveillance and empiric antifungal therapy might be warranted in targeted populations of adult ECMO patients, regardless of levels of inflammatory markers and severity scores.

2020 EACTS/ELSO/STS/AATS Expert Consensus on Post-cardiotomy Extracorporeal Life Support in Adult Patients

Post-cardiotomy extracorporeal life support (PC-ECLS) in adult patients has been used only rarely but recent data have shown a remarkable increase in its use, almost certainly due to improved technology, ease of management, growing familiarity with its capability and decreased costs. Trends in worldwide in-hospital survival, however, rather than improving, have shown a decline in some experiences, likely due to increased use in more complex, critically ill patients rather than to suboptimal management. Nevertheless, PC-ECLS is proving to be a valuable resource for temporary cardiocirculatory and respiratory support in patients who would otherwise most likely die. Because a comprehensive review of PC-ECLS might be of use for the practitioner, and possibly improve patient management in this setting, the authors have attempted to create a concise, comprehensive and relevant analysis of all aspects related to PC-ECLS, with a particular emphasis on indications, technique, management and avoidance of complications, appraisal of new approaches and ethics, education and training.

Awake venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for refractory cardiogenic shock

BACKGROUND 

Venoarterial-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is currently one of the first-line therapies for refractory cardiogenic shock (CS), but its applicability is undermined by the high morbidity associated with its complications, especially those related to mechanical ventilation (MV). We aimed to assess the prognostic impact of keeping patients in refractory CS awake at cannulation and during the VA-ECMO run.

METHODS 

A 7-year database of patients given peripheral VA-ECMO support was used to conduct a propensity-score (PS)-matched analysis to balance their clinical profiles. Patients were classified as 'awake ECMO' or 'non-awake ECMO', respectively, if invasive MV was used during ≤50% or >50% of the VA-ECMO run. Primary outcomes included ventilator-associated pneumonia and ECMO-related complication rates, and secondary outcomes were 60-day and 1-year mortality. A multivariate logistic-regression analysis was used to identify whether MV at cannulation was independently associated with 60-day mortality.

RESULTS 

Among 231 patients included, 91 (39%) were 'awake' and 140 (61%) 'non-awake'. After PS-matching adjustment, the 'awake ECMO' group had significantly lower rates of pneumonia (35% vs. 59%, P = 0.017), tracheostomy, renal replacement therapy, and less antibiotic and sedative consumption. This strategy was also associated with reduced 60-day (20% vs. 41%, P = 0.018) and 1-year mortality rates (31% vs. 54%, P = 0.021) compared to the 'non-awake' group, respectively. Lastly, MV at ECMO cannulation was independently associated with 60-day mortality.

CONCLUSION 

An 'awake ECMO' management in VA-ECMO-supported CS patients is feasible, safe, and associated with improved short- and long-term outcomes.

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: Special reference for use in 'post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock' - A review with an Indian perspective

The ultimate goals of cardiovascular physiology are to ensure adequate end-organ perfusion to satisfy the local metabolic demand, to maintain homeostasis and achieve 'milieu intérieur'. Cardiogenic shock is a state of pump failure which results in tissue hypoperfusion and its associated complications. There are a wide variety of causes which lead to this deranged physiology, and one such important and common scenario is the post-cardiotomy state which is encountered in cardiac surgical units. Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is an important modality of managing post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock with variable outcomes which would otherwise be universally fatal. VA-ECMO is considered as a double-edged sword with the advantages of luxurious perfusion while providing an avenue for the failing heart to recover, but with the problems of anticoagulation, inflammatory and adverse systemic effects. Optimal outcomes after VA-ECMO are heavily reliant on a multitude of factors and require a multi-disciplinary team to handle them. This article aims to provide an insight into the pathophysiology of VA-ECMO, cannulation techniques, commonly encountered problems, monitoring, weaning strategies and ethical considerations along with a literature review of current evidence-based practices.

2020 EACTS/ELSO/STS/AATS expert consensus on post-cardiotomy extracorporeal life support in adult patients

Post-cardiotomy extracorporeal life support (PC-ECLS) in adult patients has been used only rarely but recent data have shown a remarkable increase in its use, almost certainly due to improved technology, ease of management, growing familiarity with its capability and decreased costs. Trends in worldwide in-hospital survival, however, rather than improving, have shown a decline in some experiences, likely due to increased use in more complex, critically ill patients rather than to suboptimal management. Nevertheless, PC-ECLS is proving to be a valuable resource for temporary cardiocirculatory and respiratory support in patients who would otherwise most likely die. Because a comprehensive review of PC-ECLS might be of use for the practitioner, and possibly improve patient management in this setting, the authors have attempted to create a concise, comprehensive and relevant analysis of all aspects related to PC-ECLS, with a particular emphasis on indications, technique, management, and avoidance of complications, appraisal of new approaches and ethics, education, and training.

Efficacy of Prophylactic Antibiotics during Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Nationwide Cohort Study

RATIONALE

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is widely used worldwide, and many hospitals consider using antibiotics to prevent nosocomial infection in ECMO patients. However, the efficacy of antimicrobial prophylaxis for patients receiving ECMO remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics for ECMO patients.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was performed using data recorded in the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database from July 1, 2010, to March 31, 2017. We compared in-hospital mortality, nosocomial pneumonia, acute kidney injury, and diarrhea between patients receiving prophylactic antibiotics (prophylaxis group) and those not receiving antibiotics (control group) using propensity score matching, multivariable logistic regression models fitted using generalized estimating equation, stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting, and instrumental variable analysis.

RESULTS

We identified 9615 eligible patients and classified them into the prophylaxis (n = 5552) and control (n = 4063) groups. In the propensity score-matched analysis, 3650 pairs were generated. Significant differences between the prophylaxis group and the control group were detected in in-hospital mortality (56.4% vs 59.8%, risk difference: -3.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -6.0 to -1.3) and nosocomial pneumonia (12.9% vs. 15.3%, risk difference: -2.4%, 95% CI: -4.3 to -0.6). In the multivariable logistic regression models fitted using generalized estimating equation, stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting, and instrumental variable analysis, the point estimates a suggested similar direction to that found in the propensity score analysis. The proportions of patients with acute kidney injury or diarrhea did not significantly increase with the use of prophylactic antibiotics.

CONCLUSION

Using prophylactic antibiotics during ECMO was associated with reduced in-hospital mortality and lower proportions of patients with nosocomial pneumonia. Future prospective studies are needed to validate these results.

Prognosis After Weaning from Respiratory Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Successful weaning from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) does not necessarily imply patient survival. We retrospectively analyzed 441 patients with acute respiratory failure from 16 hospitals in South Korea who underwent ECMO from January 2012 to December 2015. We evaluated the clinical factors associated with mortality after successful weaning from ECMO. Of all 441 patients, 245 (55.6%) were successfully weaned from ECMO. The majority of patients were initially supported with veno-venous ECMO (86.9%). Among those, 182 patients (41.3%) were discharged from hospital. Only 165 (37.4%) were alive after 6 months. Most cases of death occurred within the first month after weaning from ECMO (65%), and the most frequent reason for death was sepsis (76.2%). In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, patient age (per 10 years) (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.12-1.61; p = 0.001), sequential organ failure assessment score (HR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.02-1.13; p = 0.010), steroid (HR = 2.38, 95% CI = 1.27-4.45; p = 0.007), interstitial lung disease (HR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.05-1.36; p = 0.006), and ECMO duration (per day) (HR = 1.02, 95% CI = 1.01-1.04; p < 0.001) were associated with the in-hospital mortality after weaning from ECMO. Furthermore, age (per 10 years) (HR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.24-1.71; p < 0.001), steroid (HR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.27-3.78; p = 0.005), and interstitial lung disease (HR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.02-1.31; p = 0.021) were significantly associated with 6 month mortality. The prognosis after weaning from respiratory ECMO might be related to baseline conditions affecting the reversibility of the primary lung disease and to acquired infections.

Infectious complications associated with short-term mechanical circulatory support in urgent heart transplant candidates

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Short-term mechanical circulatory support is frequently used as a bridge to heart transplant in Spain. The epidemiology and prognostic impact of infectious complications in these patients are unknown.

METHODS

Systematic description of the epidemiology of infectious complications and analysis of their prognostic impact in a multicenter, retrospective registry of patients treated with short-term mechanical devices as a bridge to urgent heart transplant from 2010 to 2015 in 16 Spanish hospitals.

RESULTS

We studied 249 patients, of which 87 (34.9%) had a total of 102 infections. The most frequent site was the respiratory tract (n=47; 46.1%). Microbiological confirmation was obtained in 78 (76.5%) episodes, with a total of 100 causative agents, showing a predominance of gram-negative bacteria (n=58, 58%). Compared with patients without infection, those with infectious complications showed higher mortality during the support period (25.3% vs 12.3%, P=.009) and a lower probability of receiving a transplant (73.6% vs 85.2%, P=.025). In-hospital posttransplant mortality was similar in the 2 groups (with infection: 28.3%; without infection: 23.4%; P=.471).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients supported with temporary devices as a bridge to heart transplant are exposed to a high risk of infectious complications, which are associated with higher mortality during the organ waiting period.

Case Report: Refusal of an Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Due to Malignant Disease? - An Extremely Rare Form of Cardiac Involvement in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

We report here on a 61-year-old patient with acute right heart failure of unclear etiology. Echocardiography revealed a myocardial mass infiltrating the heart, though, we assumed a cardiac lymphoma. A VA-ECMO was implanted as bridging for diagnosis and therapy. Our patient received chemotherapy, under which the tumor (of unknown etiology at this point) reached a partial remission. Nine months after first admission the patient developed acute myeloid leukemia with DNMT3a and TET2 mutations. Retrospective analysis of the cardiac biopsy revealed the identical mutations and matched with the diagnosis of an extremely rare primary extramedullary manifestation of an AML (myelosarcoma). The patient received induction-chemotherapy and was planned for consolidating allogeneic stem cell transplantation. From this case, we conclude that an extracorporeal therapy should be discussed in selected patients even in case of an initially fatal appearing prognosis. In selected cases, extracorporeal support can generate enough time for diagnosis and therapy. However, transparent planning, including discussion of best supportive care strategies involving the patient's family are indispensable requirements for starting ECMO in such patients.

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation induces early immune alterations

Background

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) provides heart mechanical support in critically ill patients with cardiogenic shock. Despite important progresses in the management of patients under VA-ECMO, acquired infections remain extremely frequent and increase mortality rate. Since immune dysfunctions have been described in both critically ill patients and after surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, VA-ECMO initiation may be responsible for immune alterations that may expose patients to nosocomial infections (NI). Therefore, in this prospective study, we aimed to study immune alterations induced within the first days by VA-ECMO initiation.

Methods

We studied immune alterations induced by VA-ECMO initiation using cytometry analysis to characterize immune cell changes and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to explore plasma cytokine levels. To analyze specific changes induced by VA-ECMO initiation, nine patients under VA-ECMO (VA-ECMO patients) were compared to nine patients with cardiogenic shock (control patients).

Results

Baseline immune parameters were similar between the two groups. VA-ECMO was associated with a significant increase in circulating immature neutrophils with a significant decrease in C5a receptor expression. Furthermore, we found that VA-ECMO initiation was followed by lymphocyte dysfunction along with myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) expansion. ELISA analysis revealed that VA-ECMO initiation was followed by an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α along with IL-10, a highly immunosuppressive cytokine.

Conclusion

VA-ECMO is associated with early immune changes that may be responsible for innate and adaptive immune alterations that could confer an increased risk of infection.

Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of Bloodstream Infection in Patients Under Extracorporeal Membranous Oxygenation

BACKGROUND

Bloodstream infection (BSI) is an important complication of extracorporeal membranous oxygenation (ECMO) and a major cause of mortality. This study evaluated the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of BSI that occur during ECMO application according to microbial etiology.

METHODS

Adult patients who underwent ECMO from January 2009 to December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed for BSI episodes at a 2,700-bed, tertiary center. Epidemiological and clinical characteristics and outcomes of BSI were evaluated and were compared for etiologic groups (gram-positive cocci, gram-negative rods, and fungi groups). Risk factors for 14-day mortality were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 1,100 patients underwent ECMO during the study period, and 65 BSI episodes occurred in 61 patients. The BSI incidence was 8.3 episodes/1,000 ECMO days, which significantly decreased over time (P = 0.03), primarily in gram-positive cocci BSI. Gram-positive cocci, gram-negative rods, and fungi accounted for 38%, 40%, and 22% of the 73 blood isolates, respectively. Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. Catheter-related infection (CRI) and pneumonia were the most common sources of BSI; 52% of gram-positive cocci BSIs and 79% of fungi BSIs were caused by CRI, and 75% of gram-negative BSIs by pneumonia. Patients with gram-negative rods BSI died more frequently and earlier than those with other BSIs. Independent risk factors for 14-day mortality were older age and gram-negative rods BSI.

CONCLUSIONS

The decreased BSI incidence during ECMO was mainly because of the decrease of gram-positive cocci BSI. The high early mortality of gram-negative rods BSI makes prevention and adequate treatment necessary.

A Retrospective Study of Infection in Patients Requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support

BACKGROUND

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in critically ill patients are a serious public health problem. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used increasingly for patients with severe cardiac or respiratory failure, but it may increase HAI risk. The goal of our study was to characterize HAIs in ECMO patients at an ECMO referral center.

METHODS

This institutional review board-approved study identified all consecutive adult ECMO patients admitted to the cardiac surgery intensive care unit (CSICU) between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2017. Demographic data, diagnosis, ECMO cannulation technique, and survival were collected. Urinary tract infection, pneumonia, and bacteremia incidence during ECMO and within 3 months of decannulation were collected. Outcomes of patients with HAIs were compared with noninfected patients, the CSICU infection incidence, and overall Extracorporeal Life Support Organization survival data.

RESULTS

There were 288 ECMO patients and 3396 CSICU admissions during this period. Survival was 72.3% for venoarterial ECMO, 85.3% for venovenous ECMO, and 57.1% for multimodality or veno-arteriovenous ECMO, with discharge survival of 60.2%, 72.0%, and 28.6%, respectively. Bacteremia incidence while cannulated was 6.8% for venoarterial ECMO and 9.3% for venovenous ECMO. Bacteremia occurred in 22 of 288 (7.6%) ECMO patients, compared with 48 of 3109 (1.5%) in non-ECMO CSICU patients, which was statistically significant (P < .002). Bacteremia and pneumonia were associated with decreased VA-ECMO survival, with prolonged overall requirements for ECMO support.

CONCLUSIONS

Nosocomial ECMO infections are significantly higher than in other CSICU patients. Infection risk remains significant even after decannulation. Infection is associated with increased mortality and longer duration of ECMO support. Further efforts are needed to determine HAI reduction strategies in this high-risk patient population.

Nosocomial infections in in-hospital cardiac arrest patients who undergo extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation

BACKGROUND

Little is known of nosocomial infections (NI) in patients who suffer from in-hospital cardiac arrest who undergoing extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This study aimed to investigate clinical pictures of NI, and the association of NIs with clinical outcomes in in-hospital cardiac arrest patients who undergoing extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

METHODS

To evaluate the incidence and clinical characteristics of NI in patients who undergoing extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, a retrospective cohort study was conducted in a single tertiary referral center between January 2010 and December 2018. We included adult patients who undergoing extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for in-hospital cardiac arrest and excluded patients who were out-of-hospital cardiac arrest or failed ECMO implantation. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared between NI and Non-NI patients, or multidrug-resistant (MDR) and non-MDR. The independent risk factors associated with NIs were also analyzed using multivariable logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Thirty-five (23.3%) patients developed a NI. These cases included 21 patients with a gram negative (G-) infection, 12 patients with a gram positive (G+) bacterial infection, and two patients with fungal infection. Pneumonia was the most common type of NIs, followed by catheter-related infection. The in-hospital mortality and neurologic outcomes at discharge were not different between the NI and non-NI groups. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens were detected in 10 cases (28.6%). The MDR NI patients had a higher ICU mortality than did those with non-MDR NI (80% vs. 32%, p = 0.028). Following multivariable adjustment, body mass index (adjusted OR 0.87, 95% CI, 0.77-0.97, p = 0.016) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation to pump on time (adjusted OR 1.04, 95% CI, 1.01-1.06, p = 0.001) were independent predictors of NI development.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients who received extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, NIs were not associated with an increase in in-hospital mortality. However, NIs with MDR organisms do increase the risk of in-hospital mortality. Lower body mass index and longer low flow time were significant predictors of NI development.

Predictors of Survival to Discharge After Successful Weaning From Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Patients With Cardiogenic Shock

BACKGROUND

This study identified predictors of hospital mortality after successful weaning of patients with cardiogenic shock off venoarterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Adult patients who received peripheral VA ECMO from January 2012 to April 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. After excluding patients who died on ECMO support, predictors for survival to discharge were investigated in patients who were successfully weaned off ECMO. Of 191 patients successfully weaned off ECMO, 143 (74.9%) survived to discharge. The prevalence of a history of stroke and coronary artery disease, as well as ECMO-related complications, including newly developed stroke and sepsis, was a higher in patients who did not survive to discharge than in those who did. On the day of ECMO weaning, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score and serum lactate were higher in patients who did not survive to discharge, although there was no significant difference in blood pressure and the use of vasoactive drugs between the 2 groups. On multivariable analysis, stroke and sepsis during ECMO support, a lower Glasgow Coma Scale and acute kidney injury requiring continuous renal replacement therapy after weaning were significant predictors for in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Complications that occurred during ECMO and the presence of extracardiac organ dysfunction after weaning were associated with in-hospital mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock who were successfully weaned off ECMO.

Pulmonary infections complicating ARDS

Pulmonary infection is one of the main complications occurring in patients suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Besides traditional risk factors, dysregulation of lung immune defenses and microbiota may play an important role in ARDS patients. Prone positioning does not seem to be associated with a higher risk of pulmonary infection. Although bacteria associated with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in ARDS patients are similar to those in patients without ARDS, atypical pathogens (Aspergillus, herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus) may also be responsible for infection in ARDS patients. Diagnosing pulmonary infection in ARDS patients is challenging, and requires a combination of clinical, biological and microbiological criteria. The role of modern tools (e.g., molecular methods, metagenomic sequencing, etc.) remains to be evaluated in this setting. One of the challenges of antimicrobial treatment is antibiotics diffusion into the lungs. Although targeted delivery of antibiotics using nebulization may be interesting, their place in ARDS patients remains to be explored. The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the most severe patients is associated with a high rate of infection and raises several challenges, diagnostic issues and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics changes being at the top. Prevention of pulmonary infection is a key issue in ARDS patients, but there is no specific measure for these high-risk patients. Reinforcing preventive measures using bundles seems to be the best option.

2020 EACTS/ELSO/STS/AATS expert consensus on post-cardiotomy extracorporeal life support in adult patients

Post-cardiotomy extracorporeal life support (PC-ECLS) in adult patients has been used only rarely but recent data have shown a remarkable increase in its use, almost certainly due to improved technology, ease of management, growing familiarity with its capability and decreased costs. Trends in worldwide in-hospital survival, however, rather than improving, have shown a decline in some experiences, likely due to increased use in more complex, critically ill patients rather than to suboptimal management. Nevertheless, PC-ECLS is proving to be a valuable resource for temporary cardiocirculatory and respiratory support in patients who would otherwise most likely die. Because a comprehensive review of PC-ECLS might be of use for the practitioner, and possibly improve patient management in this setting, the authors have attempted to create a concise, comprehensive and relevant analysis of all aspects related to PC-ECLS, with a particular emphasis on indications, technique, management and avoidance of complications, appraisal of new approaches and ethics, education and training.

2020 EACTS/ELSO/STS/AATS Expert Consensus on Post-Cardiotomy Extracorporeal Life Support in Adult Patients

Post-cardiotomy extracorporeal life support (PC-ECLS) in adult patients has been used only rarely but recent data have shown a remarkable increase in its use, almost certainly due to improved technology, ease of management, growing familiarity with its capability and decreased costs. Trends in worldwide in-hospital survival, however, rather than improving, have shown a decline in some experiences, likely due to increased use in more complex, critically ill patients rather than to suboptimal management. Nevertheless, PC-ECLS is proving to be a valuable resource for temporary cardiocirculatory and respiratory support in patients who would otherwise most likely die. Because a comprehensive review of PC-ECLS might be of use for the practitioner, and possibly improve patient management in this setting, the authors have attempted to create a concise, comprehensive and relevant analysis of all aspects related to PC-ECLS, with a particular emphasis on indications, technique, management and avoidance of complications, appraisal of new approaches and ethics, education and training.

Mortality due to hospital-acquired infection after cardiac surgery

PURPOSE

Hospital-acquired infections have been associated with significant morbidity and mortality in critically ill surgical patients. However, little is known about mortality due to hospital-acquired infections in cardiac surgery.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from the cardiac surgery unit of a university hospital. All patients who underwent cardiac surgery over a 7-year period were included. Patients with hospital-acquired infections were matched 1:1 with patients with nonhospital-acquired infections based on risk factors for hospital-acquired infections and death after cardiac surgery using propensity score matching. We performed a competitive risk analysis to study the mortality fraction due to hospital-acquired infections.

RESULTS

Of 8853 patients who underwent cardiac surgery, 370 (4.2%) developed 500 postoperative infections (incidence density rate 4.2 hospital-acquired infections per 1000 patient-days). Crude hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients with hospital-acquired infections than in matched patients who did not develop hospital-acquired infections, 15.4% and 5.7%, respectively (P < .001). The in-hospital mortality fraction due to hospital-acquired infections in our cohort was 17.1% (12.3%-22.8%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection (hazard ratio, 2.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-3.49; P = .005), bloodstream infection (hazard ratio, 2.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.19-3.63; P = .010), and pneumonia (hazard ratio, 1.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-2.77; P = .04) were each independently associated with increased hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Although hospital-acquired infections are relatively uncommon after cardiac surgery (4.2%), these infections have a major impact on postoperative mortality (attributable mortality fraction, 17.1%).

Incidence and clinical outcomes of nosocomial infections in patients presenting with STEMI complicated by cardiogenic shock in the United States

OBJECTIVES

This study addresses the incidence, trends, and impact of nosocomial infections (NI) on the outcomes of patients admitted with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and cardiogenic shock (STEMI-CS) using the United States National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 105,184 STEMI-CS patients using the NIS database from the years 2005-2014. NI was defined as infections of more than or equal to three days, comprising of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), urinary tract infection (UTI), hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), bacteremia, and skin related infections. Outcomes of the impact of NI on STEMI-CS included in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay (LOS) and costs. Significant associations of NI in patients admitted with STEMI-CS were also identified.

RESULTS

Overall, 19.1% (20,137) of patients admitted with STEMI-CS developed NI. Trends of NI have decreased from 2005-2014. The most common NI were UTI (9.2%), followed by HAP (6.8%), CLABSI (1.5%), bacteremia (1.5%), skin related infections (1.5%), and CDI (1.3%). The strongest association of developing a NI was increasing LOS (7-9 days; OR: 1.99; 95% CI: 1.75-2.26; >9 days; OR: 4.51; 95% CI: 4.04-5.04 compared to 4-6 days as reference). Increased mortality risk among patients with NI was significant, especially those with sepsis-associated NI compared to those without sepsis (OR: 2.95; 95% CI: 2.72-3.20). Patients with NI were found to be associated with significantly longer LOS and higher costs, irrespective of percutaneous mechanical circulatory support placement.

CONCLUSIONS

NI were common among patients with STEMI-CS. Those who developed NI were at a greater risk of in-hospital mortality, increased LOS and costs.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support as a Bridge to Recovery during Chemotherapy in a Young Patient with Metastatic Choriocarcinoma and Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

INTRODUCTION

A young woman presented at a local hospital with severe dyspnea directly after childbirth. She was di-agnosed with choriocarcinoma and massive pulmonary metastases. Shortly after administration of polychemotherapy she developed severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

CASE PRESENTATION

The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) center of the university hospital. Venovenous ECMO support was implemented for 28 days while enabling continuous chemotherapy. After 49 days in the ICU, she was transferred to the oncology ward in a stable respiratory state.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Although the survival rates of ARDS in the general ICU population have improved lately due to improved management of ARDS and ECMO support, the data on adult cancer patients receiving ECMO support are very limited. Only few small retrospective studies on ECMO support in adult cancer patients have been conducted. Unfortunately the survival rates of patients after allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and ECMO support were discouraging. Nevertheless, cancer patients with at least stable disease who are eligible for full-code ICU management may be potential candidates for ECMO in case of severe ARDS. Our case report not only shows that patients suffering from choriocarcinoma with pulmonary metastases may develop severe ARDS in the context of polychemotherapy, but also demonstrates that ECMO support enables chemotherapy continuation and complete remission of the underlying choriocarcinoma.

Bloodstream infections in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Objective:

We aimed to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and prognosis of bloodstream infections (BSIs) during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment in a Chinese population.

Methods:

Patients receiving ECMO treatment from January 2013 to August 2019 were retrospectively studied. The incidence of BSIs was calculated. The clinical characteristics between patients with a BSI (BSI group) and without a BSI (non-BSI group)

Results:

Among 69 included patients, 19 (27.5%) developed at least one BSI. Gram-negative bacteria (73.7%) were mainly responsible for the BSIs, with Klebsiella pneumoniae (6/19, 31.5%) ranking as the top related pathogen. The BSI group had a greater proportion of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) prophylactic regimens (52.6% vs. 26.0%, P = 0.036), a higher pre-ECMO Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (11 vs. 8, P = 0.008), more applications of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) during ECMO (63.1% vs. 36.1%, P = 0.042). Longer ECMO support duration, period of ventilator use before ECMO weaning and hospital stay were observed in the BSI group. The SOFA score (OR: 1.174; 95% CI: 1.039–1.326; P = 0.010) was an independent risk factor for BSIs.

Conclusion:

BSIs during ECMO therapy frequently involve Gram-negative bacteria. Stringent care and monitoring should be provided for patients with high SOFA scores.

Weaning-Related Shock in Patients With ECMO: Incidence, Mortality, and Predisposing Factors

OBJECTIVE

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) commonly is used to manage refractory cardiogenic shock after cardiac surgery, with 31% to 76% of patients successfully weaned off their ECMO. However, it is associated with high mortality rates, and 20% to 65% of weaned patients do not survive to hospital discharge. This study aimed to assess the incidence of ECMO weaning-related shock, the risk factors, and prognosis in the intensive care unit (ICU).

DESIGN

Retrospective observational cohort study.

SETTING

Surgical ICU of Cardiology Institute of Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital (Paris-France).

PARTICIPANTS

Patients who were assisted with a peripheral VA-ECMO from January 2015 to December 2017 were included. Patients with venovenous, central, or right ECMO were excluded.

MEASUREMENTS

The authors collected data on patients' characteristics, during and after surgery. The indications for VA-ECMO implantation were ventricular dysfunction, primary graft dysfunction, and refractory cardiac arrest. Weaning-related shock was defined as the need to introduce or increase the dose of catecholamine at ECMO explantation or in the following week.

RESULTS

After weaning off VA-ECMO, 56 of 146 patients (38.4%) presented weaning-related shock: 55% were septic shocks, 12.5 % were caused by right ventricle failure, and 7.1% by hemorrhage. ICU mortality was 42% versus 8% in patients who did not present shock. Multivariate analysis showed that patients with pulmonary hypertension and those with norepinephrine before weaning were more likely to develop shock.

CONCLUSION

ECMO weaning-related shock is frequent in patients with refractory cardiogenic shock after cardiac surgery. This is most commonly caused by sepsis and causes higher mortality rates, calling for further evaluation.

Risk factor analysis of nosocomial lower respiratory tract infection in influenza-related acute respiratory distress syndrome

Background:

Patients with severe influenza-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have high morbidity and mortality. Moreover, nosocomial lower respiratory tract infection (NLRTI) complicates their clinical management and possibly worsens their outcomes. This study aimed to explore the clinical features and impact of NLRTI in patients with severe influenza-related ARDS.

Methods:

This was an institutional review board approved, retrospective, observational study conducted in eight medical centers in Taiwan. From January 1 to March 31 in 2016, subjects were enrolled from intensive care units (ICUs) with virology-proven influenza pneumonia, while all of those patients with ARDS requiring invasive mechanical ventilation and without bacterial community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) were analyzed. Baseline characteristics, critical-illness data and clinical outcomes were recorded.

Results:

Among the 316 screened patients with severe influenza pneumonia, 250 with acute respiratory failure requiring intubation met the criteria of ARDS, without having bacterial CAP. Among them, 72 patients developed NLRTI. The independent risk factors for NLRTI included immunosuppressant use before influenza infection [odds ratio (OR), 5.669; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.770–18.154], extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) use after ARDS (OR, 2.440; 95% CI, 1.214–4.904) and larger corticosteroid dosage after ARDS (OR, 1.209; 95% CI, 1.038–1.407). Patients with NLRTI had higher in-hospital mortality and longer ICU stay, hospitalization and duration on mechanical ventilation.

Conclusion:

We found that immunosuppressant use before influenza infection, ECMO use, and larger steroid dosage after ARDS independently predict NLRTI in influenza-related ARDS. Moreover, NLRTI results in poorer outcomes in patients with severe influenza.

The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.

Temporary circulatory support for cardiogenic shock

Cardiogenic shock can occur due to acute ischaemic or non-ischaemic cardiac events, or from progression of long-standing underlying heart disease. When addressing the cause of underlying disease, the management of cardiogenic shock consists of vasopressors and inotropes; however, these agents can increase myocardial oxygen consumption, impair tissue perfusion, and are frequently ineffective. An alternative approach is to temporarily augment cardiac output using mechanical devices. The use of these devices-known as temporary circulatory support systems-has increased substantially in recent years, despite being expensive, resource intensive, associated with major complications, and lacking high-quality evidence to support their use. This Review summarises the physiological basis underlying the use of temporary circulatory support for cardiogenic shock, reviews the evidence informing indications and contraindications, addresses ethical considerations, and highlights the need for further research.

Pharmacokinetics of micafungin in patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: an observational prospective study

Objective

To determine micafungin plasma levels and pharmacokinetic behavior in patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Methods

The samples were taken through an access point before and after the membrane in two tertiary hospitals in Spain. The times for the calculation of pharmacokinetic curves were before the administration of the drug and 1, 3, 5, 8, 18 and 24 hours after the beginning of the infusion on days one and four. The area under the curve, drug clearance, volume of distribution and plasma half-life time with a noncompartmental pharmacokinetic data analysis were calculated.

Results

The pharmacokinetics of the values analyzed on the first and fourth day of treatment did not show any concentration difference between the samples taken before the membrane (Cin) and those taken after the membrane (Cout), and the pharmacokinetic behavior was similar with different organ failures. The area under the curve (AUC) before the membrane on day 1 was 62.1 (95%CI 52.8 - 73.4) and the AUC after the membrane on this day was 63.4 (95%CI 52.4 - 76.7), p = 0.625. The AUC before the membrane on day 4 was 102.4 (95%CI 84.7 - 142.8) and the AUC was 100.9 (95%CI 78.2 - 138.8), p = 0.843.

Conclusion

The pharmacokinetic parameters of micafungin were not significantly altered.

Risk factors for agitation and hyperactive delirium in adult postcardiotomy patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support: an observational study

BACKGROUND

Agitation and delirium in critically ill patients after cardiac surgery carry poor in-hospital prognosis. Identifying risk factors may promote its prevention and management. Accordingly, this study aimed to evaluate the incidence of agitation and hyperactive delirium in postcardiotomy patients during the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support and to identify the risk factors for its development.

METHODS

This single center, retrospective study was conducted at Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University. Data were extracted from the prospective institutional registry database of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to predict risk factors.

RESULTS

A total of 170 consecutive adult patients underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in our hospital from January 2016 to December 2017. Ninety-four patients were included in the final analysis. The incidence of agitation and hyperactive delirium was 35% in our population of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-supported postcardiotomy patients. Agitation and delirium usually occurred within the first 3 days of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Multivariable analysis showed that history of previous stroke (without preoperative cognitive dysfunction; odds ratio, 4.425, 95% confidence interval: 1.171-16.716; p = 0.028) and mean arterial pressure reduction (before extracorporeal membrane oxygenation initiation) ⩾ 49 mmHg (odds ratio, 7.570, 95% confidence interval: 2.366-24.219, p = 0.001) were independent risk factors for agitation and hyperactive delirium during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the prediction of agitation and hyperactive delirium was 0.704 (95% confidence interval 0.589-0.820, p = 0.001). There was more severe arrhythmia in the agitation patients.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the prevalence of agitation and hyperactive delirium in postcardiotomy patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support is high. In addition, previous stroke and severe mean arterial pressure reduction before extracorporeal membrane oxygenation initiation is predictive of agitation and hyperactive delirium.

Physical rehabilitation in the awake patient receiving extracorporeal circulatory or gas exchange support

Intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired weakness is a common and serious sequela of critical illness. There is a growing body of evidence supporting the use of early mobilization in the ICU to mitigate this adverse effect. Recent data suggest that such a strategy may be feasible in patients with the most severe forms of cardiopulmonary failure—those requiring temporary mechanical circulatory support (TCS) or extracorporeal life support (ECLS). Both the modality of mechanical support and patient-specific characteristics must be taken into consideration when determining the appropriateness of an early mobilization strategy. The purpose of this review is to explore the current understanding of and evidence for mobilization and rehabilitation of patients receiving TCS or ECLS, including the identification of factors that may predict greater success for early mobilization and potential risks and contraindications to active physical therapy. While it is not yet known which of these patients are most likely to benefit from physical rehabilitation, a common theme is the importance of an interprofessional team approach to ensure patient safety and maximize the likelihood of successful mobilization.

Multidisciplinary team approach in acute myocardial infarction patients undergoing veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Background

Limited data are available on the impact of a specialized extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) team on clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS). This study evaluated whether specialized ECMO team is associated with improved in-hospital mortality in AMI patients undergoing veno-arterial (VA) ECMO.

Methods

A total of 255 AMI patients who underwent VA-ECMO were included. In January 2014, a multidisciplinary ECMO team was founded at our institution. Eligible patients were classified into a pre-ECMO team group (n = 131) and a post-ECMO team group (n = 124). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality.

Results

In-hospital mortality (pre-ECMO team vs. post-ECMO team, 54.2% vs. 33.9%; p = 0.002) and cardiac intensive care unit mortality (pre-ECMO team vs. post-ECMO team, 51.9% vs. 30.6%; p = 0.001) were significantly lower after the implementation of a multidisciplinary ECMO team. On multivariable logistic regression model, implementation of the multidisciplinary ECMO team was associated with reduction of in-hospital mortality [odds ratio: 0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.20–0.67; p = 0.001]. Incidence of all-cause mortality [58.3% vs. 35.2%; hazard ratio (HR): 0.49, 95% CI 0.34–0.72; p < 0.001) and readmission due to heart failure (28.2% vs. 6.4%; HR: 0.21, 95% CI 0.08–0.58; p = 0.003) at 6 months of follow-up were also significantly lower in the post-ECMO team group than in the pre-ECMO team group.

Conclusions

Implementation of a multidisciplinary ECMO team was associated with improved clinical outcomes in AMI patients complicated by CS. Our data support that a specialized ECMO team is indispensable for improving outcomes in patients with AMI complicated by CS.

Sepsis and ECMO

Sepsis is being recognized as an important complication of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and its presence is a poor prognostic marker and increases the overall mortality. The survival rate differs in the various types of cannulation techniques. Adult patients with prolonged duration of ECMO constitute the major risk population. Ventilator-associated pneumonia and bloodstream infections form the main sources of sepsis in these patients. It is important to know the most common etiological agents for sepsis in ECMO, which varies partly with the local epidemiology of the hospitals. A high index of suspicion, drawing adequate volumes for blood culture and early and timely administration of appropriate empirical antimicrobials can substantially decrease the morbidity and mortality in this high-risk population. The dosing of antimicrobials is influenced by the pharmacological variations on ECMO machine and is an important consideration. Infection control practices are of paramount importance and need to be followed meticulously to prevent sepsis in ECMO.

Favorable Outcomes of a Direct Heart Transplantation Strategy in Selected Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support

OBJECTIVES

Heart transplantation in patients supported by venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been associated with poor prognosis. A specific protocol for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation management encompassing patient selection, implantation strategy, and preoperative and perioperative treatment is applied at our institution. Our aim was to compare posttransplant outcomes of patients supported or not by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation at the time of heart transplantation.

DESIGN

A large observational single-center retrospective study was conducted. The primary endpoint was overall survival after heart transplantation. Secondary endpoints included death-censored rejection-free survival and the frequency of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-related complications.

SETTING

One heart transplantation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation high-volume center.

PATIENTS

All consecutive patients over 18 years old with a first noncombined heart transplantation performed between 2012 and 2016 were included.

INTERVENTIONS

None (retrospective observational study).

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Among the 415 transplanted patients, 118 (28.4%) were on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation at the time of transplantation (peripheral, 94%; intrathoracic, 6%). Median time on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation before heart transplantation was 9 days (interquartile range, 5-15 d) and median follow-up post heart transplantation was 20.7 months. Posttransplant survival did not differ significantly between the two groups (1-yr survival = 85.5% and 80.7% in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation vs nonextracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients; hazard ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.43-1.11; p = 0.12, respectively). Donor age, body mass index, creatinine clearance, and ischemic time were independently associated with overall mortality, but not extracorporeal membrane oxygenation at the time of heart transplantation. Rejection-free survival also did not significantly differ between groups (hazard ratio, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.60-1.23; p = 0.39). Local wound infection was the most frequent complication after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (37% of patients).

CONCLUSIONS

With the implementation of a specific protocol, patients bridged to heart transplantation on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation had similar survival compared with those not supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Cannula-Related Infection in Patients Supported by Peripheral ECMO: Clinical and Microbiological Characteristics

Little is known about cannula-related infection (CRI) in patients supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The aim of this study was to assess the incidence, the risk factors, prognosis, and microbiological characteristics of CRI in patients supported by ECMO. This retrospective cohort study was conducted in one intensive care unit (ICU). Among 220 consecutive patients with peripheral ECMO, 39 (17.7%) developed CRI. The incidence of CRI was 17.2 per 1,000 ECMO days. The main isolated microorganisms were Enterobacteriaceae (38%), Staphylococcus spp. (28.2%; 8.5% were methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus and 19.7% were coagulase-negative staphylococci), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18.3%). Bacteremia was present in 23 cases (59.7%). In multivariate analysis, the risk factors for CRI were longer ECMO duration (p = 0.006) and higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score 2 (p = 0.004). Forty-one percentage of patients with CRI needed surgical management of the infected site. Cannula-related infection was not associated with higher in-hospital mortality (p = 0.73), but it was associated with a longer stay in ICU (p < 0.0001) and a longer stay in hospital (p = 0.002). In conclusion, CRI is frequent in patients with ECMO and associated with a longer stay in hospital. Risk factors for CRI were longer ECMO duration and higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score 2. Concomitant bacteremia was frequent (59.7%) and CRI should be strongly investigated in cases of positive blood culture.

Nosocomial Infections During Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Neonatal, Pediatric, and Adult Patients: A Comprehensive Narrative Review

OBJECTIVES

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is increasingly used in critically ill patients with refractory cardiopulmonary failure. Nosocomial infection acquired during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation represents one of the most frequent complications but the available evidence on the risk of infection and its association with outcomes has not been comprehensively analyzed. We performed a narrative review examining the epidemiology of nosocomial infection during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, association with clinical outcomes, and preventive strategies.

DATA SOURCES

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library between 1972 and June 2018.

STUDY SELECTION

We included any article which detailed nosocomial infection during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Articles were excluded if they were not written in English, detailed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use for infections acquired prior to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or used other forms of extracorporeal support such as ventricular assist devices.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two reviewers independently assessed eligibility and extracted data. We screened 984 abstracts and included 59 articles in the final review.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The reported risk of nosocomial infection among patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation ranged from 3.5% to 64% per extracorporeal membrane oxygenation run, while the incidence of infection ranged from 10.1 to 116.2/1,000 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation days. Nosocomial infections during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were consistently associated with longer duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and, in several large multicenter studies, with increased mortality. Risk factors for nosocomial infection included duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, mechanical and hemorrhagic complications on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and use of venoarterial and central extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Biomarkers had low specificity for infection in this population. Few studies examined strategies on how to prevent nosocomial infection on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

CONCLUSIONS

Nosocomial infections in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients are common and associated with worse outcomes. There is substantial variation in the rates of reported infection, and thus, it is possible that some may be preventable. The evidence for current diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic strategies for infection during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is limited and requires further investigation.

Bloodstream infections in critically ill patients: an expert statement

Bloodstream infection (BSI) is defined by positive blood cultures in a patient with systemic signs of infection and may be either secondary to a documented source or primary—that is, without identified origin. Community-acquired BSIs in immunocompetent adults usually involve drug-susceptible bacteria, while healthcare-associated BSIs are frequently due to multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. Early adequate antimicrobial therapy is a key to improve patient outcomes, especially in those with criteria for sepsis or septic shock, and should be based on guidelines and direct examination of available samples. Local epidemiology, suspected source, immune status, previous antimicrobial exposure, and documented colonization with MDR bacteria must be considered for the choice of first-line antimicrobials in healthcare-associated and hospital-acquired BSIs. Early genotypic or phenotypic tests are now available for bacterial identification and early detection of resistance mechanisms and may help, though their clinical impact warrants further investigations. Initial antimicrobial dosing should take into account the pharmacokinetic alterations commonly observed in ICU patients, with a loading dose in case of sepsis or septic shock. Initial antimicrobial combination attempting to increase the antimicrobial spectrum should be discussed when MDR bacteria are suspected and/or in the most severely ill patients. Source identification and control should be performed as soon as the hemodynamic status is stabilized. De-escalation from a broad-spectrum to a narrow-spectrum antimicrobial may reduce antibiotic selection pressure without negative impact on mortality. The duration of therapy is usually 5–8 days though longer durations may be discussed depending on the underlying illness and the source of infection. This narrative review covers the epidemiology, diagnostic workflow and therapeutic aspects of BSI in ICU patients and proposed up-to-date expert statements.

Neonatal respiratory extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and primary diagnosis: trends between two decades

OBJECTIVE

Examine changing neonatal respiratory extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) practice trends and outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study comparing neonatal respiratory ECMO in the 1990 and 2010 decades (1994-1995 and 2014-2015). Patients ≤ 30 days of life, reported to the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry, were included.

RESULTS

Four thousand one hundred and twenty-five patients met inclusion criteria. ECMO cases decreased by 33%. The primary ECMO diagnosis changed significantly over time (p < 0.0001). Survival to discharge decreased (76 vs 67%, p < 0.0001) and ECMO duration increased (131 vs 158 h, p < 0.001). Lung recovery was the most common reason to discontinue ECMO although family request for withdrawal and a diagnosis considered "incompatible with life" was increasingly common in the 2010s.

CONCLUSION

Although the use of ECMO for neonatal respiratory diagnoses has decreased over time, its use has increased for patients with more complex diagnoses and ECMO duration is longer. ECMO continues to be an important supportive therapy, improved understanding of which patients would benefit most is needed.

Predictive risk factors for postoperative pneumonia after heart transplantation

Background

Pneumonia is a frequent complication in patients undergoing heart transplantation (HTx) that increases morbidity and mortality in this population. Nevertheless, the risk factors for postoperative pneumonia (POP) are still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive risk factors for POP in HTx recipients.

Methods

In this retrospective study, all patients undergoing HTx between January 2014 and December 2015 were included. All cases of POP occurring until hospital discharge were investigated. The study aimed to determine risk factors using univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. Data are expressed in Odds Ratio [95% CI]. P < 0.05 was necessary to reject the null hypothesis.

Results

A total of 175 patients were included without any patients being lost to follow-up, and 89 instances of POP were diagnosed in 59 (34%) patients. Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most common pathogens. In the multivariate analysis, the risk factors were preoperative mechanical ventilation (OR 1.42 [1.12–1.80], P < 0.01) and perioperative blood transfusion (OR 1.42 [95% CI: 1.20–1.70], P < 0.01). POP significantly impacted mortality at 30 days (OR: 4 [1.3–12.4], P = 0.01) and 1 year (OR: 6.8 [2.5–8.4], P < 0.01) and was associated with a longer duration of mechanical ventilation, time to weaning from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and stay in an intensive care unit. Plasma exchanges and intravenous administration of immunoglobulins did not increase the risk of POP.

Conclusion

After HTx, preoperative mechanical ventilation and blood transfusion were risk factors for POP and were associated with increased mortality. Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the most common pathogens of POP.

Cannula and circuit management in peripheral extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: An international survey of 45 countries

Effective and safe practices during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) including infection precautions and securement of lines (cannulas and circuits) are critical to prevent life-threatening patient complications, yet little is known about the practices of bedside clinicians and data to support best practice is lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify and describe common line-related practices for patients supported by peripheral ECMO worldwide and to highlight any gaps for further investigation. An electronic survey was conducted to examine common line practices for patients managed on peripheral ECMO. Responses were obtained from 45 countries with the majority from the United States (n = 181) and United Kingdom (n = 32). Standardised infection precautions including hand hygiene, maximal barrier precautions and skin antisepsis were commonplace for cannulation. The most common antisepsis strategies included alcohol-based chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) for cannula insertion (53%) and maintenance (54%), isopropyl alcohol on circuit access ports (39%), and CHG-impregnated dressings to cover insertion sites (36%). Adverse patient events due to line malposition or dislodgement were reported by 34% of respondents with most attributable to ineffective securement. Centres 'always' suturing peripheral cannula sites were more likely to experience a cannula adverse event than centres that 'never' sutured (35% [95% CI 30, 41] vs 0% [95% CI 0, 28]; Chi-square 4.40; p = 0.04) but this did not meet the a priori significance level of <0.01. An evidence-based guideline would be beneficial to improve ECMO line management according to 78% of respondents. Evidence gaps were identified for antiseptic agents, dressing products and regimens, securement methods, and needleless valves. Future research addressing these areas may provide opportunities for consensus guideline development and practice improvement.

ECLS-associated infections in adults: what we know and what we don't yet know

Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is increasingly used in the management of patients with severe cardiopulmonary disease. Infections are frequently the etiologies underlying the respiratory, and occasionally cardiac, failure that necessitates ECLS. Just as importantly, infections are among the most commonly reported adverse events during ECLS. Infections in this setting may be the sequelae of prolonged critical illness or of underlying immune dysregulation; they may be hospital-acquired infections, and they may or may not be attributable to the presence of ECLS itself, the latter being an aspect that can be difficult to determine. Current registry data and evidence from the literature offer some insights, but also leave open many questions regarding the nature and significance of infections reported both before and during ECLS, including the question of any causal link between ECLS and the development of infections. An ongoing lack of consistency in the identification, diagnosis, management, and prevention of infections during ECLS is limiting our ability to interpret literature data and thus highlighting the need for more rigorous investigation and standardization of definitions. This review aims to characterize the current understanding of infections associated with the use of ECLS, taking into account data from the updated Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry, which provides important context for understanding the epidemiology and outcomes of these patients.

[Clinical pharmacokinetics of anti-infective drugs in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation]

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is becoming more and more clinically important. The extracorporeal circuit for membrane oxygenation consists of a pump, a membrane oxygenator and large volume tubing. The ECMO device forms an additional compartment, which can absorb drugs with high lipophilia and protein binding. Thus, ECMO affects the volume of distribution and the clearance. As a consequence, the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (pk-pd) target parameters cannot be achieved. The selection of an appropriate substance and the mode of application, combined with therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), can significantly improve the therapeutic outcome of critically ill patients.