Predictors of outcome for children requiring respiratory extra-corporeal life support: implications for inclusion and exclusion criteria

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Pediatric Burn Patients Without Inhalation Injury: A Unique Population?

Prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV) before the initiation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is associated with decreased survival. Pediatric burn patients without inhalational injury are a unique population as they may be intubated for longer durations due to frequent interventions such as dressing changes and burn excisions. This study utilized the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry and evaluated patients 0 to 18 years old placed on ECMO and with a burn injury from January 2010 to December 2020. Inhalation injury was excluded. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were performed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between mortality and precannulation MV duration before ECMO cannulation, and odds ratios and predicted probabilities of mortality were estimated. Our cohort of 47 patients had a median age of 2.7 years old. Mortality occurred in 48.9% of the cohort. The overall median number of days on ECMO was 6.3 days, with no difference between survivors and non-survivors (6.8 days vs 6.3 days; P = .67). Survivors were ventilated for 4.1 days and non-survivors for 4.8 days before cannulation (P = .25). Regression modeling demonstrated that with each additional day on MV before ECMO cannulation, the odds of mortality increases by 12% (P = .03). Our study suggests that, similar to pediatric patients without thermal injury, increasing precannulation MV duration is associated with an increasing risk of mortality in pediatric burn patients without inhalational injury. Though the pediatric burn population is unique, evaluation of burn patients with respiratory failure for ECMO should be similar to the general population.

Outcomes of Children Surviving Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: From the Second Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference

OBJECTIVES

To summarize the evidence for the Second Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference-2 (PALICC-2) recommendations for assessment of outcomes among patients surviving pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS).

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Elsevier), and CINAHL Complete (EBSCOhost).

STUDY SELECTION

We conducted a scoping review to identify studies evaluating outcomes following PARDS. We included studies of survivors of PARDS, acute respiratory failure with a high proportion of PARDS patients, or other critical illnesses if PARDS-specific outcomes could be extracted.

DATA EXTRACTION

Title/abstract review, full-text review, and data extraction using a standardized data collection form.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was used to identify and summarize evidence and develop recommendations. Of 8,037 abstracts screened, we identified 20 articles for inclusion. Morbidity following PARDS was common and affected multiple domains of pulmonary and nonpulmonary function. There was insufficient evidence to generate any evidence-based recommendations. We generated eight good practice statements and five research statements. A panel of 52 experts discussed each proposed good practice statement and research statement, and the agreement rate was measured with an online voting process. Good practice statements describe the approach to clinical outcome assessment, assessment of pulmonary outcomes of children surviving PARDS, and assessment of nonpulmonary outcomes of children surviving PARDS including health-related quality of life and physical, neurocognitive, emotional, family, and social functioning. The five research statements relate to assessment of patient preillness status, use of postdischarge endpoints for clinical trials, the association between short-term and longer term outcomes, the trajectory of recovery following PARDS, and practices to optimize follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

There is increasing evidence that children are at risk for impairments across a range of pulmonary and nonpulmonary health domains following hospitalization for PARDS. The results of this extensive scoping review and consensus conference involving experts in PARDS research, clinical care, and outcomes assessment provide guidance to clinicians and researchers on postdischarge follow-up to optimize the long-term health of patients surviving PARDS.

External validation of the Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Prediction model for risk adjusting mortality

INTRODUCTION

The Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Prediction (PEP) model was created to provide risk stratification for all pediatric patients requiring extracorporeal life support (ECLS). Our purpose was to externally validate the model using contemporaneous cases submitted to the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) registry.

METHODS

This multicenter, retrospective analysis included pediatric patients (<19 years) during their initial ECLS run for all indications between January 2012 and September 2014. Median values from the BATE dataset for activated partial thromboplastin time and internationalized normalized ratio were used as surrogates as these were missing in the ELSO group. Model discrimination was evaluated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and goodness-of-fit was evaluated using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test.

RESULTS

A total of 4,342 patients in the ELSO registry were compared to 514 subjects from the bleeding and thrombosis on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (BATE) dataset used to develop the PEP model. Overall mortality was similar (42% ELSO vs. 45% BATE). The c-statistic after external validation decreased from 0.75 to 0.64 and model calibration decreases most in the highest risk deciles.

CONCLUSION

Discrimination of the PEP model remains modest after external validation using the largest pediatric ECLS cohort. While the model overestimates mortality for the highest risk patients, it remains the only prediction model applicable to both neonates and pediatric patients who require ECLS for any indication and thus maintains potential for application in research and quality benchmarking.

Development of the Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Prediction Model for Risk-Adjusting Mortality

OBJECTIVES

To develop a prognostic model for predicting mortality at time of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation initiation for children which is important for determining center-specific risk-adjusted outcomes.

DESIGN

Multivariable logistic regression using a large national cohort of pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients.

SETTING

The ICUs of the eight tertiary care children's hospitals of the Collaborative Pediatric Critical Care Research Network.

PATIENTS

Five-hundred fourteen children (< 19 yr old), enrolled with an initial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation run for any indication between January 2012 and September 2014.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A total of 514 first extracorporeal membrane oxygenation runs were analyzed with an overall mortality of 45% (n = 232). Weighted logistic regression was used for model selection and internal validation was performed using cross validation. The variables included in the Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Prediction model were age (pre-term neonate, full-term neonate, infant, child, and adolescent), indication for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, cardiac, or respiratory), meconium aspiration, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, documented blood stream infection, arterial blood pH, partial thromboplastin time, and international normalized ratio. The highest risk of mortality was associated with the presence of a documented blood stream infection (odds ratio, 5.26; CI, 1.90-14.57) followed by extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (odds ratio, 4.36; CI, 2.23-8.51). The C-statistic was 0.75 (95% CI, 0.70-0.80).

CONCLUSIONS

The Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Prediction model represents a model for predicting in-hospital mortality among children receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for any indication. Consequently, it holds promise as the first comprehensive pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation risk stratification model which is important for benchmarking extracorporeal membrane oxygenation outcomes across many centers.

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

OBJECTIVES

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is an established therapy for cardiac and respiratory failure unresponsive to usual care. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation mortality remains high, with ongoing risk of death even after successful decannulation. We describe occurrence and factors associated with mortality in children weaned from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Two hundred five extracorporeal membrane oxygenation centers reporting to the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization.

SUBJECTS

Eleven thousand ninety-six patients, less than 18 years, supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation during 2007-2013, who achieved organ recovery before decannulation.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Primary outcome was hospital mortality less than or equal to 30 days post extracorporeal membrane oxygenation decannulation. Among 11,096 patients, indication for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation was respiratory (6,206; 56%), cardiac (3,663; 33%), or cardiac arrest (extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, 1,227; 11%); the majority were supported with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation at some stage in their course (8,576 patients; 77%). Mortality was 13%. Factors associated with mortality included younger age (all < 1 yr categories compared with older, p < 0.05), lower weight among neonates (≤ 3 vs > 3 kg; p < 0.001), mode of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support (venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation compared with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, p < 0.001), longer admission to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation time (≥ 28 vs < 28 hr; p < 0.001), cardiac and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation compared with respiratory extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (both p < 0.001), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation duration greater than or equal to 135 hours (p < 0.001), preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation hypoxemia (PO2 ≤ 43 vs > 43 mm Hg; p < 0.001), preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation acidemia (p < 0.001), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation complications, particularly cerebral or renal (both p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite extracorporeal membrane oxygenation decannulation for organ recovery, 13% of patients die in hospital. Mortality is associated with patient factors, preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation illness severity, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation management. Evidence-based strategies to optimize readiness for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation decannulation and postextracorporeal membrane oxygenation decannulation care are needed.

Development and Validation of a Score to Predict Mortality in Children Undergoing Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Respiratory Failure: Pediatric Pulmonary Rescue With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Prediction Score

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to develop and validate a prognostic score for predicting mortality at the time of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation initiation for children with respiratory failure. Preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation mortality prediction is important for determining center-specific risk-adjusted outcomes and counseling families.

DESIGN

Multivariable logistic regression of a large international cohort of pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients.

SETTING

Multi-institutional data.

PATIENTS

Prognostic score development: A total of 4,352 children more than 7 days to less than 18 years old, with an initial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation run for respiratory failure reported to the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization's data registry during 2001-2013 were used for derivation (70%) and validation (30%). Bidirectional stepwise logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with mortality. Retained variables were assigned a score based on the odds of mortality with higher scores indicating greater mortality. External validation was accomplished using 2,007 patients from the Pediatric Health Information System dataset.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The Pediatric Pulmonary Rescue with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Prediction score included mode of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation mechanical ventilation more than 14 days; preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation severity of hypoxia; primary pulmonary diagnostic categories including, asthma, aspiration, respiratory syncytial virus, sepsis-induced respiratory failure, pertussis, and "other"; and preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation comorbid conditions of cardiac arrest, cancer, renal and liver dysfunction. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for internal and external validation datasets were 0.69 (95% CI, 0.67-0.71) and 0.66 (95% CI, 0.63-0.69).

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric Pulmonary Rescue with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Prediction is a validated tool for predicting in-hospital mortality among children with respiratory failure receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support.

Outcome Comparison in Children Undergoing Extracorporeal Life Support Initiated at a Local Hospital by a Mobile Cardiorespiratory Assistance Unit or at a Referral Center

PURPOSE

To compare characteristics and outcome in children undergoing extracorporeal life support initiated in an extracorporeal life support center or at the patient's bedside in a local hospital, by means of a mobile cardiorespiratory assistance unit.

METHODS

A retrospective study in a single PICU during 6 years. Extracorporeal life support was started either in our center (control group) or in the local hospital (mobile cardiorespiratory assistance unit group). The data collected were demographics, markers of patient's preextracorporeal life support condition, and outcome.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-six children underwent extracorporeal life support, 105 in the control group and 21 in the mobile cardiorespiratory assistance unit group. There was no difference between groups in terms of age, weight, or Pediatric Risk of Mortality II score. There was a significant difference in organ failure etiology between groups, with more respiratory cases in the mobile cardiorespiratory assistance unit group (76.2%) and more cardiac surgery cases in the control group (60%; p < 0.001). The duration of extracorporeal life support was longer in the mobile cardiorespiratory assistance unit group than in the control group (10 [1-36] vs 5 [0-33] d; p = 0.003). PICU length of stay and mortality (60% vs 47.6%; p = 0.294) were not significantly different between the two groups. To allow comparison of a more homogenous population, a subgroup analysis was performed including only respiratory failure patients from the two groups (R-control group [n = 22] and R-mobile cardiorespiratory assistance unit group [n = 16]). PICU length of stay was 17 (3-64) days in the R-control group and 23 (1-45) days in the R-mobile cardiorespiratory assistance unit group (p = 0.564), and PICU mortality rate was 54.5% in the R-control group and 43.8% in the R-mobile cardiorespiratory assistance unit group (p = 0.511). There was no difference between the R-groups for age, weight, Pediatric Risk of Mortality II score, and markers of kidney or liver dysfunction, and lactate blood levels.

CONCLUSION

Extracorporeal life support can be safely initiated at children's bedside in the local hospital and then transported to the specialized referral center. Our results support the validity of an interregional organization of mobile cardiorespiratory assistance unit teams.

High-frequency percussive ventilation and bronchoscopy during extracorporeal life support in children

Variables affecting duration of pediatric extracorporeal life support (ECLS) are poorly defined. Prior analyses suggested increased mortality risk with prolonged ECLS. Lung recruitment strategies with improved secretion mobilization may shorten ECLS duration. High frequency percussive ventilation (HFPV) has been used, predominantly in inhalational injury, as a mode of ventilation to improve secretion clearance. We describe the application of HFPV and therapeutic bronchoscopies in pediatric ECLS and evaluate outcomes with a same-center historical control population. After May 2011, all children (n = 14) on ECLS were managed with HFPV during extracorporeal support (HFPV cohort). This group's demographics and outcomes were compared with ECLS patients in our unit immediately before the utilization of HFPV (pre-HFPV cohort, n = 22). The HFPV and pre-HFPV cohorts had similar demographics and utilization of venoarterial ECLS. In univariate analysis, the HFPV group underwent more bronchoscopies and experienced more ECLS-free days (days alive and off ECLS) at 30 and 60 days. In multivariate analysis, use of HFPV was independently associated with ECLS-free days. We conclude that use of HFPV and bronchoscopies during ECLS for respiratory failure was associated with an increase in ECLS-free days and that this association should be prospectively evaluated.

The outcomes of children with pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome: proceedings from the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference

OBJECTIVE

To provide additional details and evidence behind the recommendations for outcomes assessment of patients with pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome from the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference.

DESIGN

Consensus conference of experts in pediatric acute lung injury.

METHODS

A panel of 27 experts met over the course of 2 years to develop a taxonomy to define pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome and to make recommendations regarding treatment and research priorities. The outcomes subgroup comprised four experts. When published data were lacking, a modified Delphi approach emphasizing strong professional agreement was used.

RESULTS

The Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference experts developed and voted on a total of 151 recommendations addressing the topics related to pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome, seven of which related to outcomes after pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome. All seven recommendations had strong agreement. Children with acute respiratory distress syndrome continue to have a high mortality, specifically, in relation to certain comorbidities and etiologies related to pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome. Comorbid conditions, such as an immunocompromised state, increase the risk of mortality even further. Likewise, certain etiologies, such as non-pulmonary sepsis, also place children at a higher risk of mortality. Significant long-term effects were reported in adult survivors of acute respiratory distress syndrome: diminished lung function and exercise tolerance, reduced quality of life, and diminished neurocognitive function. Little knowledge of long-term outcomes exists in children who survive pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome. Characterization of the longer term consequences of pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome in children is vital to help identify opportunities for improved therapeutic and rehabilitative strategies that will lessen the long-term burden of pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome and improve the quality of life in children.

CONCLUSIONS

The Consensus Conference developed pediatric-specific recommendations for pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome regarding outcome measures and future research priorities. These recommendations are intended to promote optimization and consistency of care for children with pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome and identify areas of uncertainty requiring further investigation.

Determinants of survival and resource utilization for pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the United States 1997-2009

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) remains a vital therapy for children requiring cardiopulmonary support.

METHODS

The Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) was analyzed for ECMO (ICD-9-CM 39.65) patients between 1997 and 2009.

RESULTS

Overall, 8005 cases were identified, consisting of neonatal (ECMO <30days of life; 33%), infant (30days to 1year; 46%), young child (1year to 5years; 9.7%), and older child (>5years; 11%) groups. Patients were most commonly male (56%), Caucasian (49%), and insured by Medicaid (46%). ECMO was indicated for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS; 33%), cardiac and circulatory congenital anomalies (CCCA; 22%), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH; 13%), and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN; 10%). On multivariate analysis, length of stay (LOS) decreased over the study period, while total charges (TC) increased over time, p<0.001. Survival was higher for boys and those treated in large or urban teaching hospitals, p<0.05. ECMO for CDH, CCCA, and RDS had the highest associated mortality, p<0.001. Neonatal and infant ECMO had no difference in mortality vs. older children.

CONCLUSIONS

While LOS for ECMO has decreased over time, TC has increased steadily. Improved survival is found in boys and patients at large or urban teaching hospitals. CDH, CCCA, and RDS portend poor survival outcomes as indicators for ECMO.

Paediatric ECMO at low-volume paediatric cardiac centres in the Nordic countries

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-saving resource-intensive technology for patients with respiratory and/or circulatory failure. We aimed to evaluate outcome data from three Nordic paediatric centres comparing with data from the International Registry of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) and selected high-volume single-centre studies.

METHODS

One-hundred nineteen patients < 19 years from 2002 to 2012 were enrolled. Data on demographics and outcome were collected using a standardised registration form. Outcome data were compared with the ELSO registry and high-volume single-centre studies.

RESULTS

Demographics, indications and diagnosis were similar to the ELSO register. Survival after ECMO was similar to outcome data from the ELSO register, apart from paediatric cardiac ECMO, where a significantly better survival to discharge was seen in the Nordic centres (68% vs. 49%; P = 0.03). Comparison with high-volume centres in the period after 2005 demonstrated a significantly better survival after cardiac ECMO in a single high-volume centre study, whereas four studies had significantly lower survival after cardiac ECMO. No significant difference was seen in children receiving respiratory ECMO in the Nordic centres and high-volume centres.

CONCLUSIONS

Survival after ECMO in three low-volume Nordic centres demonstrated comparable outcome data with ELSO data and data from high-volume centres. We believe regular quality assurance surveys, as the present study, should be performed in order to maintain excellent therapy within the individual ECMO centres.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for neonatal and pediatric respiratory failure: an evidence-based review of the past decade (2002-2012)

OBJECTIVE

To provide a comprehensive evidence-based review of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for neonatal and pediatric respiratory failure.

DATA SOURCE

A thorough computerized bibliographic search of the clinical literature regarding the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the neonatal and pediatric populations.

STUDY SELECTION

Clinical trials published between January 1, 2002, and October 1, 2012, including "extracorporeal membrane oxygenation" or "ECMO" and limited to studies involving humans aged 0-18 years. Trials focused on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiac indications were excluded from this study, unless the study was evaluating ancillary therapies in conjunction with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

DATA EXTRACTION

Studies were evaluated for inclusion based on reporting of patient outcomes and/or strategic considerations, such as cannulation strategies, timing of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation utilization, and ancillary therapies.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Pertinent data are summarized, and the available data are objectively classified based on the value of the study design from which the data are obtained.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a large number of published extracorporeal membrane oxygenation studies, there remains a paucity of high-quality clinical trials. The available data support continued use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for respiratory failure refractory to conventional therapy for neonatal and pediatric patients without significant comorbidities. Further research is needed to better quantify the benefit of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and the utility of many therapies commonly applied to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients.

Factors associated with mortality in pediatric patients requiring extracorporeal life support for severe pneumonia

OBJECTIVES

In children with respiratory failure secondary to pneumonia, extracorporeal life support can be lifesaving. Our goal was to identify variables associated with mortality in children with pneumonia requiring extracorporeal life support.

DESIGN

Data query and abstraction from a multicenter, international registry of extracorporeal life support, the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry.

SETTING

Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry data from 1985 to 2010.

PATIENTS

Patients ≤ 18 yr of age who received extracorporeal life support for respiratory failure secondary to pneumonia.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND OUTCOMES

Clinical variables, year of extracorporeal life support, and extracorporeal life support center location were collected. The primary outcome was survival at hospital discharge. Results are reported as predictive margins, which allow estimation of standardized mortality rates and differences for risk factors.

RESULTS

One thousand four hundred eighty-nine children were included. The median (interquartile range) age and duration of extracorporeal life support were 5.7 months (2.5-21.5) and 11 days (7-18). Arterial cannulation was performed in 65% of patients. Mortality was 39%. There was no relationship between mortality and age or pathogen. Duration of extracorporeal life support had a biphasic relationship on mortality; mortality decreased 1.3% per day on extracorporeal life support until 14 days and then increased by 1.8% per day thereafter. Other independent predictors of mortality (p < 0.05) were pre-extracorporeal life support factors including duration of mechanical ventilation, peak inspiratory pressure, arterial oxygen saturation, pH, cardiac arrest, need for an arterial cannula, decade of extracorporeal life support, international extracorporeal life support center, and decrease in FIO2 over the first 24 hrs on extracorporeal life support.

CONCLUSIONS

In children with severe pneumonia receiving extracorporeal life support, prognostic factors associated with increased risk of death included extracorporeal life support treatment exceeding 14 days, arterial cannulation, longer duration of mechanical ventilation, and decreased ability to wean ventilator FIO2 over the first 24 hrs on extracorporeal life support. Analysis of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry can identify prognostic variables, which may influence medical decision making, resource utilization, and family counseling.

The impact of extracorporeal life support and hypothermia on drug disposition in critically ill infants and children

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support is an established lifesaving therapy for potentially reversible respiratory or cardiac failure. In 10% of all pediatric patients receiving ECMO, ECMO therapy is initiated during or after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Therapeutic hypothermia is frequently used in children after cardiac arrest, despite the lack of randomized controlled trials that show its efficacy. Hypothermia is frequently used in children and neonates during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). By combining data from pharmacokinetic studies in children on ECMO and CPB and during hypothermia, this review elucidates the possible effects of hypothermia during ECMO on drug disposition.

Prolonged extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for children with respiratory failure

OBJECTIVE

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is used to support children with respiratory failure. When extracorporeal membrane oxygenation duration is prolonged, decisions regarding ongoing support are difficult as a result of limited prognostic data.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

SETTING

Multi-institutional data reported to the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry.

PATIENTS

Patients aged 1 month to 18 yrs supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for respiratory failure from 1993 to 2007 who received support for ≥ 21 days.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Of the 3213 children supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation during the study period, 389 (12%) were supported ≥ 21 days. Median patient age was 9.1 months (interquartile range, 2.5-41.7 months). Median weight was 6.7 kg (interquartile range, 3.5-15.8 kg). Survival for this group was 38%, significantly lower than survival reported for children supported ≤ 14 days (61%, p < .001). Among children supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for ≥ 21 days, no differences were found between survivors and nonsurvivors with regard to acute pulmonary diagnosis, pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation comorbidities, pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation adjunctive therapies, or pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation blood gas parameters. Only peak inspiratory pressure was significantly different in survivors. Complications occurring on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were more common among nonsurvivors. The use of inotropic infusion (odds ratio 1.64; 95% confidence interval 1.07-2.52), acidosis (pH <7.2) during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (odds ratio 2.62; 95% confidence interval 1.51-4.55), and male gender (odds ratio 1.95; 95% confidence interval 1.21-3.15) were independently associated with increased odds of death.

CONCLUSION

Survival declines with duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Male gender and inadequate cardiorespiratory status during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation increased the risk of death. Prolonged support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation appears reasonable unless multiorgan failure develops.

The impact of mechanical ventilation time before initiation of extracorporeal life support on survival in pediatric respiratory failure: a review of the Extracorporeal Life Support Registry

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relationship between duration of mechanical ventilation before the initiation of extracorporeal life support and the survival rate in children with respiratory failure. Extracorporeal life support has been used as a rescue therapy for >30 yrs in children with severe respiratory failure. Previous studies suggest patients who received >7-10 days of mechanical ventilation were not acceptable extracorporeal life support candidates as a result of irreversible lung damage.

DESIGN

A retrospective review encompassing the past 10 yrs of the International Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry (January 1, 1999, to December 31, 2008).

SETTING

Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry database.

PATIENTS

A total of 1325 children (≥ 30 days and ≤ 18 yrs) met inclusion criteria.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The following pre-extracorporeal life support variables were identified as independently and significantly related to the chance of survival: 1) >14 days of ventilation vs. 0-7 days was adverse (odds ratio, 0.32; p < .001); 2) the presence of a cardiac arrest was adverse (odds ratio, 0.56; p = .001); 3) pH per 0.1-unit increase was protective (odds ratio, 1.15; p < .001); 4) oxygenation index, per 10-unit increase was adverse (odds ratio, 0.95; p = .002); and 5) any diagnosis other than sepsis was related to a more favorable outcome. Patients requiring >7-10 or >10-14 days of pre-extracorporeal life support ventilation did not have a statistically significant decrease in survival as compared with patients who received 0-7 days.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a clear relationship between the number of mechanical ventilation days before the initiation of extracorporeal life support and survival. However; there was no statistically significant decrease in survival until >14 days of pre-extracorporeal life support ventilation was reached regardless of underlying diagnosis. We found no evidence to suggest that prolonged mechanical ventilation should be considered as a contraindication to extracorporeal life support in children with respiratory failure before 14 days.

Factors associated with survival in pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation--a single-center experience

AIM

We aimed to examine outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy in the pediatric population and identify pre-ECMO and on-ECMO characteristics that are associated with survival.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the ECMO records at our institution between 1999 and 2008 and selected pediatric patients who were cannulated for respiratory failure or hemodynamic instability resistant to conventional interventions. We recorded details of pre-ECMO clinical characteristics, including blood gas variables and mechanical ventilatory support, and details of ECMO therapy including survival off ECMO and to hospital discharge. Predictors of survival were analyzed using logistic regression modeling and a prediction algorithm was developed.

RESULTS

Of the 445 ECMO runs, data from 58 consecutive patients were analyzed: 57% were successfully decannulated, and 48% survived to discharge from the hospital. The cohort included 32 (55%) female patients, 22 postoperative patients (38%), and 15 (26%) with an immunosuppressive condition, with a median age of 5 years and weight 19.5 kg, The mean duration of pre-ECMO respiratory support was 3 days, in the form of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (n = 28, 48%) and conventional mechanical ventilation (n = 13, 22%). The median duration (interquartile range) of ECMO support was 142 hours (60, 321) or 5.9 days. Pre-ECMO pH above 7.2 (P < .001) and oxygenation index below 35 (P = .021) were associated with the highest survival rates. Pre-ECMO PaCO(2) and duration of mechanical ventilation were not associated with survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our results, ECMO therapy should be considered early in children with oxygenation index greater than 35 with worsening metabolic status. The restriction of ECMO based on ventilator days alone needs to be revisited in this era of lung protective ventilation.