Problems and health needs of adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients following hospital discharge: A qualitative study

Post-discharge experiences of patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support: A qualitative study

PURPOSE

To explore the life experiences of patients who have been discharged after undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support.

DESIGN

A qualitative descriptive approach was used.

METHODS

Patients who have undergone ECMO support and have been discharged were recruited. Thirteen participants were involved in this study. The data were collected through a semi-structured interview and analyzed using the Colaizzi method.

FINDINGS

Four major themes in life experiences were reported by the participants: changes in physical function, changes in psychological state, active adaptation to daily life, and substantial rehabilitation needs.

CONCLUSION

Different, continuous, and convenient post-discharge physical and mental interventions, social support, spiritual support, and rehabilitation services should be provided according to the patient's circumstances. We also call on the government to increase the patient reimbursement rate for ECMO treatment. These measures may help to improve the quality of life of patients.

Quality of life after extra corporeal life support therapy

BACKGROUND

Extra Corporeal Life Support (ECLS) may be a life-saving treatment for patients with reversible cardiac and/or respiratory failure. ECLS is associated with a high risk of complications and mortality. Because only a small number of studies have been conducted into the long-term effects of ECLS, we investigated the difference in quality of life, anxiety and depressive complaints and PTSD 3 months after ICU discharge.

METHOD

It is a retrospective case-control study covering the period January 2012 to December 2017. The ECLS patient group was compared to a matched similar patient group in the Intensive Care (IC) that did not have ECLS therapy. Quality of life was measured with the Short-Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire, anxiety and depression was measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire and for PTSD the Impact of Events Scale (IES) questionnaire was used, comparing sum scores and cut-off points of scores from both groups.

RESULTS

Included were 19 patients in the ECLS group and 38 in the control group. The mean sum scores on the sub scales of the SF36 questionnaire were the same for both groups. Only the mean score of 66.2 (scale 0-100) on the domain 'general health experience' was statistically significantly different in the ECLS group than in the control group (56.8, p = .02). There was no significant difference between the sum scores of both groups on anxiety and depressive complaints. In the ECLS group 32% of the patients may have a depressive disorder versus 18% from the control group (p = .32). And 26% of the patients from the ECLS group may have an anxiety disorder versus 7% from the control group (p = .51). The incidence of PTSD was 42% in the ECLS group and 24% in the control group (p = .22).

CONCLUSION

We found no statistically significant difference in quality of life, anxiety and depressive symptoms and PTSD symptoms between ECLS patients and the matched control group - 3 months after the ICU discharge. The incidence of anxiety and depressive symptoms and PTSD in the ECLS group is higher than in the control group, however, this difference is not significant.

Post-Discharge Depression Status for Survivors of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO): Comparison of Veno-Venous ECMO and Veno-Arterial ECMO

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is one of the common invasive treatments for the care of critically ill patients with heart failure, respiratory failure, or both. There are two modes of ECMO, namely, veno-venous (VV) and veno-arterial (VA), which have different indications, survival rates, and incidences of complications. This study’s aim was to examine whether depression status differed between patients who had received VV-ECMO or VA-ECMO and had been discharged from the hospital. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational study of patients who had been discharged from the hospital at least one month after receiving ECMO at a medical center in northern Taiwan from June 2006 to June 2020 (N = 142). Participants were recruited via convenience and quota sampling. Data were collected in the cardiovascular outpatient department between October 2015–October 2016 (n = 52) and September 2019–August 2020 (n = 90). Participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale–Depression (HADS-D) as a measure of depression status. Post-discharge depression scores for patients who received VV-ECMO (n = 67) was significantly higher (p = 0.018) compared with participants who received VA-ECMO (n = 75). In addition, the mode of ECMO was a predictor of post-discharge depression (p = 0.008) for participants who received VV-ECMO. This study concluded that patients who received VV-ECMO may require greater mental health support. Healthcare professionals should establish a psychological clinical care pathway evaluated by multiple healthcare professionals.

Health-related outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adults: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Patients with critical illness may face challenges after hospital discharge; therapeutic outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are typically measured by survival rate. However, ECMO is an integral part of treatment in critical care medicine, which requires an outcome measure beyond survival. Post-discharge health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is such an indicator.

OBJECTIVES

To measure HRQoL in adult patients who had previously undergone ECMO and explore influential factors related to HRQoL.

METHODS

This cross-sectional descriptive study used a convenience sample of patients discharged between April 2006-April 2016 after at least one month following ECMO. The study was conducted from October 2015 to October 2016, which included data collected from structured questionnaires: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Impact of Event Scale-Revised and Short-Form Survey-36-v2. Stepwise linear regression determined predictor variables of physical and mental HRQoL.

RESULTS

Age of participants (N = 144) ranged from 24 to 81 years; long-term survival rate was 28.6% after a median follow-up of 1060 days (range = 44-3150 days). Mean scores for physical and mental components of HRQoL were 46.32 and 50.39, respectively. Level of HRQoL was low to moderate. Employment affected all physical components of HRQoL; depression was the main predictor for physical and mental components. Self-perceived health status and anxiety were also factors that influenced HRQoL.

CONCLUSIONS

Variables of employment, self-perceived health status and mental health influenced HRQoL. Early assessment of these factors by healthcare professionals can allow integration of multidimensional interventions following hospital discharge, which could improve HRQoL for patients weaned from ECMO.

Long-term survival and health-related quality of life in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support

Background

There is limited information about the long-term outcome of patients suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) supported with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO). Most studies focused on short- to mid-term follow-up. We aimed to investigate long-term survival and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in these patients.

Methods

We report retrospective data from a single-centre registry of patients with severe ARDS treated with VV ECMO at the Interdisciplinary Medical Intensive Care Unit at the Medical Centre, University of Freiburg, Germany, between 10/2010 and 06/2019. Follow-up data of all patients that survived the index hospitalisation were collected by telephone interviews from 02/2020 till 09/2020. Long-term survival, HRQL (Short-Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36), St. Georges Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)) and the return to work rate were documented.

Results

In total, 289 patients were treated with VV ECMO during the study period (median age 55 years, 67% males, hospital survival 45%). After a median duration of 3.9 years, follow-up assessment was complete in 94 of 129 hospital survivors (73%). Fifty-three patients completed the HRQL assessment. Hospital survivors showed a high 6- and 12-month survival rate (89% and 85%, respectively). Estimated survival rate of those discharged alive from ICU was 68.5% (95%-CI 56.9–80.1%) after 9.7 years. These patients reported high levels of HRQL (median SF-36 total score 73) and only few pulmonary (median SGRQ total score 19) and mental limitations (median HAD-D score 2 and HAD-A score 3). In total, 80% of the patients were able to resume employment.

Conclusion

This analysis of VV ECMO patients showed favourable long-term survival and high levels of HRQL suggesting promising prospects for VV ECMO survivors.

Graphical Abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13054-021-03821-0.

Long-term outcomes of adults with acute respiratory failure treated with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is increasingly used for severe but potentially reversible acute respiratory failure in adults; however, there are limited data regarding long-term morbidity. At our institution, most patients requiring veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation have been followed up by a single physician. Our primary aim was to describe the serial long-term morbidity for respiratory, musculoskeletal and psychological functioning.

A retrospective audit of inpatient and outpatient medical records was conducted. A total of 125 patients treated with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for primary respiratory failure were included. The patients were young (mean (standard deviation) age 43.7 (4.1) years), obese (mean (standard deviation) body mass index 30.8 (10.4) kg/m²), and mostly were male (59%). Most patients (60%) had no comorbidities.

The survival rate to discharge was 70%, with body mass index and the number of comorbidities being independent predictors of survival on multiple logistic regression analysis. Over half (57%) of the Australian survivors had regular outpatient follow-up. They had a median of three reviews (range 1-9) over a median of 11.8 months (range 1.5-79) months. Breathlessness and weakness resolved in most within six months, with lung function abnormalities taking longer to resolve. Over half (60%) returned to employment within six months of discharge. Over a quarter (29%) displayed symptoms of anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.

An unbelievable ordeal: The experiences of adult survivors treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a rescue treatment option for adult patients with severe cardiac dysfunction or respiratory failure. While short-term patient outcomes, such as in-hospital mortality and complications, have been widely described, little is known about the illness or recovery experience from the perspectives of survivors. Subjective reports of health are important indicators of the full, long-term impact of critical illness and treatment with ECMO on survivors' lives.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to describe the experiences and needs of adults treated with ECMO, from onset of illness symptoms through the process of survivorship.

METHODS

This study was guided by the qualitative method of interpretive description. We conducted in-depth, semistructured interviews with 16 adult survivors of ECMO who were treated at two participating regional ECMO centres in the northeast United States. Additional data were collected from demographic questionnaires, field notes, memos, and medical record review. Development of interview guides and data analysis were informed by the Family Management Style Framework. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis techniques.

RESULTS

The sample (n = 16) included 75% male participants; ages ranged from 23 to 65 years. Duration from hospital discharge to interviews ranged from 11 to 90 (M = 54; standard deviation = 28) months. Survivors progressed through three stages: Trauma and Vulnerability, Resiliency and Recovery, and Survivorship. Participants described short- and long-term impacts of the ECMO experience: all experienced physical challenges, two-thirds had at least one psychological or cognitive difficulty, and 25% were unable to return to work. All were deeply influenced by their own specific contexts, family support, and interactions with healthcare providers.

CONCLUSIONS

The ECMO experience is traumatic and complex. Recovery requires considerable time, perseverance, and support. Long-term sequelae include impairments in cognitive, mental, emotional, physical, and social health. Survivors could likely benefit from specialised posthospital health services that include integrated, comprehensive follow-up care.

Nurses' experience of patient care using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an advanced form of temporary life support, to aid respiratory and/or cardiac function, which diverts venous blood through an extracorporeal circuit and returns it to the body after gas exchange through a semipermeable membrane. It may be used for oxygenation, carbon dioxide removal, and hemodynamic support. ECMO has been available to patients in Iran for only about 4 years. Because nurses do not widely use ECMO in Intensive Care Units (ICUs), for many it is still a unique experience and more needs to be understood about that experience in order to support nurses in that role.

AIM

This study aimed to explore Iranian nurses' experience of caring for patients receiving ECMO.

METHODS

This interpretive phenomenological study was conducted in Iran in 2019. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Farsi to collect data from 18 nurses who had cared for patients receiving ECMO. The interviews continued until data saturation, and thematic analysis of the interview transcripts was undertaken.

RESULTS

Following thematic analysis, three main themes of "running on a suspension bridge," "sense of duality," and "bewilderment in the mirage of hope," and with seven sub-themes, emerged.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of this study, it is proposed that caring for patients receiving ECMO is a source of emotional turmoil for nurses. Nurses are constantly thinking about whether their patients receiving ECMO are recovering or dying, and the nature of this care may lead to stress and burnout. Therefore, it is recommended that these nurses receive counselling and psychological support.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Nurses are able to provide comprehensive and holistic patient care when they enjoy good physical and mental health themselves. To prevent distress in nurses and to provide safe care for the patient receiving ECMO, provision of psychological support for these nurses is recommended.

Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms after veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenator support

BACKGROUND

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common long-term outcome after intensive care of critical illness.

OBJECTIVES

Assess the prevalence and factors associated to PTSD after veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) support.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of admission data and cross-sectional assessment of PTSD symptoms in adult survivors from admission requiring VA-ECMO support in a referral hospital. People were screened through abbreviated Impact of Event Scale-6 (IES-6).

RESULTS

Out of 135 VA-ECMO implants performed from 2013 to 2020, 48 (35.6%) patients survived the admission. After a median follow-up of 31.4 [36] months, 34 survivors responded the questionnaire. All patients required sedation and invasive mechanical ventilation. Up to 29.4% of patients had PTSD symptoms. Patients with altered IES-6 items had passed a longer time since admission in ICCU (44±15 vs 30±20 months, p = 0.034). No baseline characteristic or admission-related variables were correlated with IES-6 except the lower time under mechanical ventilation (6.5 [8.5] vs. 8.5 [21] days, p = 0.044).

CONCLUSIONS

Survivors from admission requiring VA-ECMO support show high prevalence of PTSD symptoms, appearing more frequently when more time has elapsed since admission. Special attention should be paid to psychological symptoms after VA-ECMO support.

Cognitive, Psychiatric, and Quality of Life Outcomes in Adult Survivors of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Therapy: A Scoping Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVES

To perform a scoping literature review of cognitive, psychiatric, and quality of life outcomes in adults undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for any indication.

DATA SOURCES

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycINFO from inception to June 2019.

STUDY SELECTION

Observational studies, clinical trials, qualitative studies, and case series with at least 10 adult subjects were included for analysis. Outcomes of interest consisted of general or domain-specific cognition, psychiatric illness, and quality of life measures that included both mental and physical health.

DATA EXTRACTION

Study selection, data quality assessment, and interpretation of results were performed by two independent investigators in accordance with the PRISMA statement.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Twenty-two articles were included in this review. Six described cognitive outcomes, 12 described psychiatric outcomes of which two were qualitative studies, and 16 described quality of life outcomes. Cognitive impairment was detected in varying degrees in every study that measured it. Three studies examined neuroimaging results and found neurologic injury to be more frequent in venoarterial versus venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, but described a variable correlation with cognitive impairment. Rates of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder were similar to other critically ill populations and were related to physical disability after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation survivors' physical quality of life was worse than population norms but tended to improve with time, while mental quality of life did not differ significantly from the general population. Most studies did not include matched controls and instead compared outcomes to previously published values.

CONCLUSIONS

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation survivors experience cognitive impairment, psychiatric morbidity, and worse quality of life compared with the general population and similar to other survivors of critical illness. Physical disability in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients plays a significant role in psychiatric morbidity. However, it remains unclear if structural brain injury plays a role in these outcomes and whether extracorporeal membrane oxygenation causes secondary brain injury.

The Psychological and HRQoL related Aftermaths of Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation Treatment: A Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVES

To assess symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and health related quality of life in a sample of adult patients treated with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

DESIGN AND SETTING

This is a cross-sectional study. The population were all patients discharged (2008-2018) from a thoracic surgical intensive ward at a tertiary university hospital in Norway. A sample of 20 patients was recruited.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder were assessed using Impact of Events Scale-Revised, while symptoms of depression and anxiety were assessed using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. RAND 36-Item Short Form Health Survey was applied to measure health-related quality of life.

RESULTS

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder were reported by 40% of the participants. Twenty percent reported symptoms of depression and anxiety. Compared to the general population, participants reported poorer health-related quality of life on all domains, and significantly worse on the domains physical function, general health and social function.

CONCLUSION

Patients in our study reported symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and impaired health-related quality of life following treatment with veno-arterial extra corporeal membrane oxygenation. Addressing possible emotional and psychological distress could represent a potential major improvement in health care provided to this group. Further research is needed to incorporate prophylactic methods, such as identifying vulnerable patients and implement corresponding interventions, into clinical practice.

Quality of life following adult veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for acute respiratory distress syndrome: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) has been used successfully for the past decade in adult patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) refractory to conventional ventilatory support. However, knowledge of the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in VV-ECMO patients is still limited. Thus, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the HRQoL following VV-ECMO support in ARDS patients.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed on PubMed and Web of Science databases from January 1st, 2009 to October 19th, 2020. Studies reporting on HRQoL following VV-ECMO for ARDS in adults were included. Two authors independently selected studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality.

RESULTS

Eight studies were eligible for inclusion, consisting of seven observational studies and one randomized controlled trial (total N = 441). All eight studies had a quantitative design and reported 265 VV-ECMO survivors to have a reduced HRQoL compared to a generally healthy population. Follow-up time varied between six months to three years. Additionally, only four studies (total N = 335) compared the HRQoL of VV-ECMO (N = 159) to conventionally treated survivors (N = 176), with one study showing a significantly better HRQoL in VV-ECMO survivors, while three studies were stating comparable HRQoL across groups. Notably, most survivors in these studies appeared to experience varying degrees of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

CONCLUSIONS

ARDS survivors supported by VV-ECMO have a decline in HRQoL and suffered from physical and psychological impairments. This HRQoL reduction is comparable or even better to the HRQoL in conventionally treated ARDS survivors.

Experiences of adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients following discharge: A mixed methods study

BACKGROUND

Survival and discharge rates after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are gradually increasing. More research is warranted to investigate extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients' post-discharge experiences, problems and quality of life.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients' experiences, problems and quality of life following discharge.

METHODS

A mixed methods research was used. Study sample consisted of 11 adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients discharged at least one month prior to study entry. In-depth interviews were conducted. Participants' quality of life was assessed using the EuroQol 5 Dimension 5 Level questionnaire.

RESULTS

Two categories (pre- and post-discharge), 7 themes and 16 sub-themes were developed based on in-depth interviews. According to the EuroQol 5 Dimension 5 Level, participants had high perceptions of health.

CONCLUSION

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients should be provided with comprehensive post-discharge education, exercise programs, social support and regular home visits for post-discharge assessment and follow-up care.

ECMO survivors' quality of life and needs after discharge: A descriptive, comparative cross-sectional pilot study

OBJECTIVES

To describe gender differences in health-related quality of life and characterise discharged patients' perceptions of follow-up needs after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY/DESIGN

A descriptive, comparative cross-sectional pilot design was used. Adult patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation discharged between January 1, 2016 and March 31, 2018 participated in telephone interviews.

SETTING

A 580-bed community teaching hospital in south central Pennsylvania.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Health-related quality of life was measured with the Rand 36-item Short Form Health Survey. Open-ended questions identified post-discharge healthcare services and perceived follow-up needs.

RESULTS

Of 30 eligible patients, 24 completed a telephone interview. All health-related quality of life dimensions, except for role-emotional and mental health, were lower in post- extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients at follow-up compared to national norms. Women scored lower than men in all health-related quality of life dimensions. The most frequent post-discharge services used were physical therapy (66.7%), rehabilitation (62.5%) and occupational therapy (54.2%). The need for coordination of care post-discharge was identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Given long-term sequelae of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation on health-related quality of life and gender differences in health-related quality of life outcomes, ongoing interdisciplinary follow-up is imperative to ensure comprehensive patient management across the continuum of care.

Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Cardiogenic Shock

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has evolved, from a therapy that was selectively applied in the pediatric population in tertiary centers, to more widespread use in diverse forms of cardiopulmonary failure in all ages. We provide a practical review for cardiovascular clinicians on the application of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adult patients with cardiogenic shock, including epidemiology of cardiogenic shock, indications, contraindications, and the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit. We also summarize cannulation techniques, practical management and troubleshooting, prognosis, and weaning and exit strategies, with attention to end of life and ethical considerations.

The Role and Impact of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Critical Care

Use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been exponentially increasing over the last decade and is now considered a mainstream lifesaving treatment modality in critical care medicine. However, the need for physician education, training, and experience remains imperative. Although ECMO has traditionally been used in end-stage lung disease and circulatory collapse, it is being adopted for use in right heart failure, as a bridge to heart and lung transplantation, and as rescue therapy for both sepsis and post-organ transplantation. The following article discusses indications, management, complications, and challenges of ECMO as well as our experience at the Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center.

Changes in quality of life and health status in patients with extracorporeal life support: A prospective longitudinal study

Background

Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) provides emergency pulmonary and cardiac assistance for patients in respiratory or cardiac failure. Most studies evaluate the success of ECLS based on patients’ survival rate. However, the trajectory of health status and quality of life (QOL) should also be important considerations. The study’s aim was to explore changes in health status and QOL in adult patients weaned from ECLS who survived to hospital discharge over a one-year period.

Study design

A prospective longitudinal study was conducted from April 2012 to September 2014. A convenience sample of patients who had undergone ECLS was followed for one-year after hospital discharge. Heath status was measured with a physical activity scale, the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale, and a social support scale; we assessed quality of life with the physical and mental component summary scales of the Short-Form 36 Health Survey. Changes in depression, social support, physical activity and QOL were analysed with generalized estimating equations at 3-month intervals; participants’ QOL at 12 months after discharge was compared with the general population.

Results

A total of 231 patients received ECLS during the study period. Sixty-five patients survived to hospital discharge (28% survival rate); 32 participants completed the study. Data showed scores for physical activity increased significantly over time (p < .001), while depression and social support significantly decreased (p < .05 and p < .001, respectively). Participants with veno-venous ECLS had higher scores for depression than participants with veno-arterial ECLS (p < .05). PCS scores significantly increased at 9, and 12 months after discharge (p < .05 and p < .001, respectively). There was no significant change in MCS scores.

Conclusions

This was a preliminary study of patients with ECLS following hospital discharge over a one-year period. One year following hospital discharge survivors of ECLS continued to experience physical complications and some continued to have depressive symptoms; the level of social support was significantly lower after hospital discharge. Healthcare professionals should understand the trajectory of health status and QOL after discharge, which can help developing evidence-based interventions and improve QOL for survivors of ECLS.

In-patient physiotherapy for adults on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation - United Kingdom ECMO Physiotherapy Network: A consensus agreement for best practice

Clinical specialist physiotherapists from the five severe respiratory failure centres in England where respiratory extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is practiced have established this consensus agreement for physiotherapy best practice. The severe respiratory failure centres are Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester; Glenfield Hospital, Leicester; Papworth Hospital, Cambridge; Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London and The Royal Brompton Hospital, London. Although research into physiotherapy and ECMO is increasing, there is not a sufficient amount to write evidence-based guidelines; hence the development of a consensus document, using knowledge and experience of the specialist physiotherapists working with patients receiving ECMO. The document outlines safety aspects, practicalities and additional treatment considerations for physiotherapists conducting respiratory care and physical rehabilitation.

The Need for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Adults Undergoing Congenital Heart Surgery: Impact and Trends of Utilization

Introduction:

Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) represent a population with unique health-care needs. Many patients require cardiac surgery, with some requiring postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). This study aimed to identify the risk factors for the need of postoperative ECMO and characterize the impact of ECMO on admission characteristics.

Methods:

Data from the 2005–2012 iterations of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample were used. ACHD admissions over 18 years with a documented cardiac surgery were included. Univariate analysis was conducted to compare the characteristics between those requiring ECMO and those who did not. Regression analysis was done to identify the independent risk factors associated with ECMO and to determine the impact of ECMO on length, cost, and mortality of the admission.

Results:

A total of 186,829 admissions were included. Of these, 446 (0.2%) admissions required ECMO. Those with acute kidney injury, double-outlet right ventricle, or total anomalous pulmonary venous connection were more likely to require ECMO. ECMO was also significantly more utilized in patients undergoing septal defect repair, complete repair of tetralogy of Fallot, atrial switch, and heart transplant. The use of ECMO significantly increased length, cost, and mortality of stay. Overall mortality was 62.6% in the ECMO group.

Conclusion:

ECMO is only needed in a small proportion of postoperative ACHD patients. The use of ECMO significantly increases cost, length of stay and mortality in these patients. Improved identification of postoperative ACHD patients who are more likely to survive ECMO may facilitate improved survival and decreased resource utilization.