Anticoagulation strategies in patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A network meta-analysis and systematic review

Brain injury plasma biomarkers in patients on veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A pilot prospective observational study

INTRODUCTION

Early diagnosis of acute brain injury (ABI) is critical for patients on veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) to guide anticoagulation strategy; however, neurological assessment in ECMO is often limited by patient sedation.

METHODS

In this pilot study of adults from June 2018 to May 2019, plasma samples of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neurofilament light chain (NFL), and tubulin associated unit (Tau) were collected daily after V-A ECMO cannulation and measured using a multiplex platform. Primary outcomes were occurrence of ABI, assessed clinically, and neurologic outcome, assessed by modified Rankin Scale (mRS).

RESULTS

Of 20 consented patients (median age = 48.5°years; 55% female), 8 (40%) had ABI and 15 (75%) had unfavorable neurologic outcome at discharge. 10 (50%) patients were centrally cannulated. Median duration on ECMO was 4.5°days (IQR: 2.5-9.5). Peak GFAP, NFL, and Tau levels were higher in patients with ABI vs. without (AUC = 0.77; 0.85; 0.57, respectively) and in patients with unfavorable vs. favorable neurologic outcomes (AUC = 0.64; 0.59; 0.73, respectively). GFAP elevated first, NFL elevated to the highest degree, and Tau showed limited change regardless of ABI.

CONCLUSION

Further studies are warranted to determine how plasma biomarkers may facilitate early detection of ABIs in V-A ECMO to assist timely clinical decision-making.

Hirudin in the Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common public health concern. The global burden of CKD is increasing due to the high morbidity and mortality associated with it, indicating the shortcomings of therapeutic drugs at present. Renal fibrosis is the common pathology of CKD, which is characterized by glomerulosclerosis, renal tubular atrophy, and renal interstitial fibrosis. Natural hirudin is an active ingredient extracted from Hirudo medicinalis, which has been found to be the strongest natural specific inhibitor of thrombin. Evidence based on pharmacological data has shown that hirudin has important protective effects in CKD against diabetic nephrology, nephrotic syndrome, and renal interstitial fibrosis. The mechanisms of hirudin in treating CKD are mainly related to inhibiting the inflammatory response, preventing apoptosis of intrinsic renal cells, and inhibiting the interactions between thrombin and protease-activated receptors. In this review, we summarize the function and beneficial properties of hirudin for the treatment of CKD, and its underlying mechanisms.

Ventilatory Management of Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Due to SARS-CoV-2

The emergence of the new SARS-CoV-2 in December 2019 caused a worldwide pandemic of the resultant disease, COVID-19. There was a massive surge in admissions to intensive care units (ICU), notably of patients with hypoxaemic acute respiratory failure. In these patients, optimal oxygen therapy was crucial. In this article, we discuss tracheal intubation to provide mechanical ventilation in patients with hypoxaemic acute respiratory failure due to SARS-CoV-2. We first describe the pathophysiology of respiratory anomalies leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to infection with SARS-CoV-2, and then briefly review management, focusing particularly on the ventilation strategy. Overall, the ventilatory management of ARDS due to SARS-CoV-2 infection is largely the same as that applied in ARDS from other causes, and lung-protective ventilation is recommended. The difference lies in the initial clinical presentation, with profound hypoxaemia often observed concomitantly with near-normal pulmonary compliance.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiac arrest: what, when, why, and how

INTRODUCTION

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) facilitated resuscitation was first described in the 1960s, but only recently garnered increased attention with large observational studies and randomized trials evaluating its use.

AREAS COVERED

In this comprehensive review of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR), we report the history of resuscitative ECMO, terminology, circuit configuration and cannulation considerations, complications, selection criteria, implementation and management, and important considerations for the provider. We review the relevant guidelines, different approaches to cannulation, postresuscitation management, and expected outcomes, including neurologic, cardiac, and hospital survival. Finally, we advocate for the participation in national/international Registries in order to facilitate continuous quality improvement and support scientific discovery in this evolving area.

EXPERT OPINION

ECPR is the most disruptive technology in cardiac arrest resuscitation since high-quality CPR itself. ECPR has demonstrated that it can provide up to 30% increased odds of survival for refractory cardiac arrest, in tightly restricted systems and for select patients. It is also clear, though, from recent trials that ECPR will not confer this high survival when implemented in less tightly protocoled settings and within lower volume environments. Over the next 10 years, ECPR research will explore the optimal initiation thresholds, best practices for implementation, and postresuscitation care.