A Case Series of Devastating Intracranial Hemorrhage During Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for COVID-19

Intracranial hemorrhage in patients treated for SARS-CoV-2 with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is routinely used in patients with severe respiratory failure and has been increasingly needed during the COVID-19 pandemic. In patients treated with ECMO, significant intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) risk exists due to circuit characteristics, anticoagulation, and disease characteristics. ICH risk may be substantially higher in COVID-19 patients than patients treated with ECMO for other indications.

METHODS

We systematically reviewed current literature regarding ICH during ECMO treatment of COVID-19. We utilized Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases. Meta-analysis was performed for included comparative studies. Quality assessment was performed using MINORS criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 54 studies with 4000 ECMO patients were included, all retrospective. Risk of bias was increased via MINORS score primarily due to retrospective designs. ICH was more likely in COVID-19 patients (RR 1.72, 95% CI 1.23, 2.42). Mortality among COVID patients on ECMO with ICH was 64.0%, compared with 41% in patients without ICH (RR1.9, 95% 1.44, 2.51).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests increased hemorrhage rates in COVID-19 patients on ECMO compared to similar controls. Hemorrhage reduction strategies may include atypical anticoagulants, conservative anticoagulation strategies, or biotechnology advances in circuit design and surface coatings.

In-hospital and Post-discharge Status in COVID-19 Patients With Acute Respiratory Failure Supported With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Few data from Latin American centers on clinical outcomes in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome who required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are published. Moreover, clinical and functional status after hospital discharge remains poorly explored in these patients. We evaluated in-hospital outcomes of severe COVID-19 patients who received ECMO support in two Brazilian hospitals. In one-third of the survivors, post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS), quality of life, anxiety, depression, and return to work were evaluated. Eighty-five patients were included and in-hospital mortality was 47%. Age >65 years (HR: 4.8; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4-16.4), diabetes (HR: 6.0; 95% CI: 1.8-19.6), ECMO support duration (HR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.05-1.12) and dialysis initiated after ECMO (HR: 3.4; 95% CI: 1.1-10.8) were independently associated with higher in-hospital mortality and mechanical ventilation (MV) duration before ECMO was not (HR: 1.18; 95% CI: 0.71-2.09). PACS-related symptoms were reported by two-thirds and half of patients at 30- and 90-days post-discharge, respectively. The median EQ-5D score was 0.85 (0.70-1.00) and 0.77 (0.66-1.00) at 30 and 90 days. Of the 15 responders, all previously working patients, except one, have returned to work at 90 days. In conclusion, in-hospital mortality in a large Latin American cohort was comparable to the Global extracorporeal life support organization registry.

Neurologic Complications of Patients With COVID-19 Requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

In COVID-19 patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), our primary objective was to determine the frequency of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Secondary objectives were to estimate the frequency of ischemic stroke, to explore association between higher anticoagulation targets and ICH, and to estimate the association between neurologic complications and in-hospital mortality.

DATA SOURCES

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane, and MedRxiv databases from inception to March 15, 2022.

STUDY SELECTION

We identified studies that described acute neurological complications in adult patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection requiring ECMO.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two authors independently performed study selection and data extraction. Studies with 95% or more of its patients on venovenous or venoarterial ECMO were pooled for meta-analysis, which was calculated using a random-effects model.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Fifty-four studies (n = 3,347) were included in the systematic review. Venovenous ECMO was used in 97% of patients. Meta-analysis of ICH and ischemic stroke on venovenous ECMO included 18 and 11 studies, respectively. The frequency of ICH was 11% (95% CI, 8-15%), with intraparenchymal hemorrhage being the most common subtype (73%), while the frequency of ischemic strokes was 2% (95% CI, 1-3%). Higher anticoagulation targets were not associated with increased frequency of ICH (p = 0.06). In-hospital mortality was 37% (95% CI, 34-40%) and neurologic causes ranked as the third most common cause of death. The risk ratio of mortality in COVID-19 patients with neurologic complications on venovenous ECMO compared with patients without neurologic complications was 2.24 (95% CI, 1.46-3.46). There were insufficient studies for meta-analysis of COVID-19 patients on venoarterial ECMO.

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 patients requiring venovenous ECMO have a high frequency of ICH, and the development of neurologic complications more than doubled the risk of death. Healthcare providers should be aware of these increased risks and maintain a high index of suspicion for ICH.

The Use of ECMO for COVID-19: Lessons Learned

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has seen an increase in global cases of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), with a concomitant increased demand for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Outcomes of patients with severe ARDS due to COVID-19 infection receiving ECMO support are evolving. The need for surge capacity, practical and ethical limitations on implementing ECMO, and the prolonged duration of ECMO support in patients with COVID-19-related ARDS has revealed limitations in organization and resource utilization. Coordination of efforts at multiple levels, from research to implementation, resulted in numerous innovations in the delivery of ECMO.

Anticoagulant Use During Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Using Heparin and Direct Thrombin Inhibitors in COVID-19 and ARDS Patients

Coagulopathies develop in patients supported with the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and can be hemorrhagic and/or thrombophilic in spite of the use of systemic anticoagulation. The purpose this study was to examine the use of heparin and direct thrombin inhibitors (DTI) in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) on ECMO, with a subset analysis by disease state. Following IRB approval, 570 consecutive records were reviewed of adult patients on venovenous ECMO between May 2020 and December 2021. Patients were grouped by anticoagulant use: Heparin Only (n = 373), DTI Only (bivalirudin or argatroban, n = 90), or DTI after Heparin (n = 107). The effect of anticoagulant grouping was assessed using Bayesian mixed-effects logistic regression adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), gender, days of mechanical ventilation prior to ECMO, indication for ECMO support, hepatic and renal failure, hours on ECMO, hours off anticoagulation, coagulation monitoring target, and hospital. The primary endpoint was circuit failure requiring change-out with secondary endpoints of organ failure and mortality. Regression-adjusted probability of circuit change-outs were as follows: DTI after Heparin patients-32.7%, 95% Credible Interval [16.1-51.9%]; DTI Only patients-23.3% [7.5-40.8%]; and Heparin Only patients-19.8% [8.1-31.3%]. The posterior probability of difference between groups was strongest for DTI after Heparin vs. Heparin Only (97.0%), moderate for DTI after Heparin vs. DTI Only (88.2%), and weak for DTI Only vs. Heparin only (66.6%). The occurrence of both hepatic and renal failure for DTI Only and DTI after Heparin patients was higher than that of Heparin Only patients. Unadjusted mortality was highest for DTI after Heparin (64.5%) followed by DTI Only (56.7%), and Heparin Only (50.1%, p = 0.027). DTI after Heparin was associated with an increased likelihood of circuit change-out. Unadjusted hepatic failure, renal failure, and mortality were more frequent among DTI patients than Heparin Only patients.

Therapeutic Approaches to the Neurologic Manifestations of COVID-19

As of May 2022, there have been more than 527 million infections with severe acute respiratory disease coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and over 6.2 million deaths from Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide. COVID-19 is a multisystem illness with important neurologic consequences that impact long-term morbidity and mortality. In the acutely ill, the neurologic manifestations of COVID-19 can include distressing but relatively benign symptoms such as headache, myalgias, and anosmia; however, entities such as encephalopathy, stroke, seizures, encephalitis, and Guillain-Barre Syndrome can cause neurologic injury and resulting disability that persists long after the acute pulmonary illness. Furthermore, as many as one-third of patients may experience persistent neurologic symptoms as part of a Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (Neuro-PASC) syndrome. This Neuro-PASC syndrome can affect patients who required hospitalization for COVID-19 or patients who did not require hospitalization and who may have had minor or no pulmonary symptoms. Given the large number of individuals affected and the ability of neurologic complications to impair quality of life and productivity, the neurologic manifestations of COVID-19 are likely to have major and long-lasting personal, public health, and economic consequences. While knowledge of disease mechanisms and therapies acquired prior to the pandemic can inform us on how to manage patients with the neurologic manifestations of COVID-19, there is a critical need for improved understanding of specific COVID-19 disease mechanisms and development of therapies that target the neurologic morbidities of COVID-19. This current perspective reviews evidence for proposed disease mechanisms as they inform the neurologic management of COVID-19 in adult patients while also identifying areas in need of further research.

Intracerebral Hemorrhage associated COVID-19 patient with normal coagulation profile after ECMO treatment: A case report"

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel coronavirus-caused infectious acute respiratory disease that can progress to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). For severe cases, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an excellent treatment option. ECMO had a number of side effects, including bleeding. Intracerebral hemorrhage can occur in COVID patients due to a variety of mechanisms, including covid's effect on ACE-2 receptors and subsequent hypertension, coagulopathy, DIC, or medication, such as anticoagulant use.

CASE

We present a case of a 53-year-old male COVID-19 patient who developed multiple, massive, severe intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH) despite a normal coagulation profile after ECMO treatment.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 can progress to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), necessitating the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Although ICH is not a common complication in patients with COVID-19 disease, it is unknown why this patient had a lower threshold of ICH despite having a normal coagulation profile.

Neurological Complications of COVID-19: A Review of the Literature

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused the most unprecedented health crisis since the 1918 H1N1 pandemic. Whilst COVID-19 is traditionally considered to be a respiratory disease, it is important to understand that this virus has the potential to disseminate throughout the body causing multi-organ failure. Both peripheral and central neurological systems have been shown to be greatly affected. This review aims to look at the available literature published on COVID-19 and summarize the main neurological complications seen so far.

Major Bleeding and Thrombosis Events in COVID-19 Versus Influenza Patients Requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Initial reports described a hypercoagulable state and an increased risk of thrombosis in patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Infected patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome in the setting of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), leading to coagulopathies and further increasing the risk for bleeding and thrombosis. We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study to compare the incidence of major bleeding and thrombosis in COVID-19 versus influenza-positive patients requiring ECMO. There was no difference in the incidence of major bleeding (67.7% vs. 85.7%, p = 0.287) or major thrombosis (9.7% vs. 21.4%, p = 0.356) between COVID-19 and influenza patients, respectively. COVID-19 patients experienced significantly fewer major bleeding events per ECMO days compared with influenza (0.1 [interquartile range 0-0.2] vs. 0.2 [interquartile range 0.1-0.5], p = 0.026). Influenza patients may be at higher risk for developing coagulopathies that contribute to bleeding. Larger evaluations are needed to confirm these results and further assess bleeding and thrombosis risk in these populations.

COVID-19 and the Brain

Entering the third year into the pandemic, overwhelming evidence demonstrates that Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is a systemic illness, often with involvement of the central nervous system. Multiple mechanisms may underlie the development of neurologic manifestations of illness, including hypoxia, systemic illness, hypercoagulability, endothelial dysfunction, general critical illness, inflammatory response, and neurotropism of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Co-V2) virus. COVID-19 infection is associated with neurologic involvement in all stages; acute infection, subacute/post-infection, and growing evidence also suggests during a chronic phase, the post-acute sequalae of COVID-19 (PASC). With over 20,000 published articles on COVID and the brain at the time of writing, it is virtually impossible to present an unbiased comprehensive review of how SARS-Co-V2 impacts the nervous system. In this review, we will present an overview of common neurologic manifestations, in particular focusing on the cerebrovascular complications, and proposed pathophysiology.

Intracranial hemorrhage in a patient with severe COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome on Veno-venous extra corporeal membrane oxygenation: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

COVID-19 can lead to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) where Veno-Venous Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (V-V ECMO) may be utilized for patients with severe respiratory failure. Our case report highlights a life threatening complication of V-V ECMO - intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), in a patient being treated for severe COVID-19 ARDS.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 41-year-old male of Indian ethnicity with no known comorbidities presented with an 8 day history of fever and dyspnoea. The patient was diagnosed with COVID-19 through a positive RT PCR test and his clinical condition progressively deteriorated requiring mechanical ventilation. Inspite of lung protective ventilation strategies and prone ventilation, there was no improvement in oxygenation. Therefore, the patient was placed on extra corporeal life support. On day three of V-V ECMO, the patient developed anisocoria and his GCS dropped to E1VTM1. A non-contrast CT brain scan revealed a large intraparenchymal hemorrhage in the right frontoparietal lobe with an extension into the right lateral and third ventricles leading to an emergency decompressive craniectomy with lax duroplasty.Post intracranial hemorrhage,ECMO support was continued without systemic anticoagulation. Despite a transient improvement in his GCS post surgery, the patient eventually succumbed to refractory septic shock with multi organ dysfunction syndrome.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Balancing anticoagulation therapy is one of the biggest challenges in managing ECMO support for COVID-19 ARDS. ICH is a rare and potentially fatal complication of V-V ECMO with an apparently higher incidence among COVID-19 patients. Neurosurgical procedures may be considered in such patients when no other possible management strategies are available (and the risk of death is imminent).

The relationship between COVID-19 infection and intracranial hemorrhage: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

In addition to the deleterious effects Covid-19 has on the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems, COVID-19 can also result in damage to the nervous system. This review aims to explore current literature on the association between COVID-19 and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH).

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of PubMed for literature published on COVID-19 and ICH. Ninety-four of 295 screened papers met inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

The literature addressed incidence and mortality of ICH associated with Covid-19. It also revealed cases of COVID-19 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, intraparenchymal hemorrhage, subdural hematomas, and hemorrhage secondary to cerebral venous thrombosis and ischemic stroke. ICH during COVID-19 infections was associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Risk factors for ICH appeared to be therapeutic anticoagulation, ECMO, and mechanical ventilation. Outcomes varied widely, depending on the severity of COVID-19 infection and neurologic injury.

CONCLUSION

Although treatment for severe Covid-19 infections is often aimed at addressing acute respiratory distress syndrome, vasculopathy, and coagulopathy, neurologic injury can also occur. Evidence-based treatments that improve COVID-19 mortality may also increase risk for developing ICH. Providers should be aware of potential neurologic sequelae of COVID-19, diagnostic methods to rule out other causes of ICH, and treatment regimens.

Longer Prehospitalization and Preintubation Periods in Intubated Non-survivors and ECMO Patients With COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose: There is no clear consensus on the clinical course of critical COVID-19 patients. We examined the clinical course among intubated survivors, non-survivors, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients to reveal the standard clinical course and the difference among critical COVID-19 patients.

Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for original studies published until December 11, 2020, including case accumulation and clinical course reporting. Pregnant patients and children were excluded. We followed PRISMA guidelines and registered them with PROSPERO (CRD42021235534).

Results: Of the 11,716 studies identified, 94 met the selection criteria, and 2,549 cases were included in this meta-analysis. The times from intubation to extubation and death were 12.07 days (95% confidence interval 9.80–14.33 days) and 10.14 days (8.18–12.10 days), respectively, and the ECMO duration was 14.72 days (10.57–18.87 days). The time from symptom onset to hospitalization (prehospitalization period) of intubated survivors, non-survivors, and ECMO patients was 6.15 (4.61–7.69 days), 6.45 (4.55–8.34 days), and 7.15 days (6.48–7.81 days), and that from symptom onset to intubation (preintubation period) was 8.58 (7.36–9.80 days), 9.14 (7.26–11.01 days), and 10.54 days (9.18–11.90 days), respectively. Sensitivity analysis showed that the time from intubation to extubation and death was longer in the US and Europe than in East Asia.

Conclusion: For COVID-19, we hypothesize that prehospitalization and preintubation periods are longer in intubated non-survivors and ECMO patients than in intubated survivors. These periods may serve as a predictor of disease severity or death and support therapeutic strategy determination.

Argatroban for Anticoagulation in Patients Requiring Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Coronavirus Disease 2019

A significant proportion of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 requiring venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation at our institution demonstrated heparin resistance, which in combination with a heparin shortage resulted in the transition to argatroban with or without aspirin as an alternative anticoagulation strategy. The optimal anticoagulation strategy for coronavirus disease 2019 patients requiring venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is unknown, and therefore, we sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of argatroban with or without aspirin as an alternative anticoagulation strategy in this patient population.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

SETTING

Single-center tertiary-care facility in Fort Sam Houston, TX, from 2020 to 2021.

PATIENTS

Twenty-four patients who were cannulated for venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation due to respiratory failure secondary to coronavirus disease 2019.

INTERVENTIONS

Argatroban, with or without aspirin, was substituted for heparin in coronavirus disease 2019 patients requiring venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Eighty percent of our coronavirus disease 2019 patients requiring venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation demonstrated heparin resistance, and patients who were initially started on heparin were significantly more likely to require a change to argatroban than vice versa due to difficulty achieving or maintaining therapeutic anticoagulation goals (93.4% vs 11.1%; p < 0.0001). The time to reach the therapeutic anticoagulation goal was significantly longer for patients who were initially started on heparin in comparison with argatroban (24 vs 6 hr; p = 0.0173). Bleeding and thrombotic complications were not significantly different between the two cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

Argatroban, with or without aspirin, is an effective anticoagulation strategy for patients who require venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support secondary to coronavirus disease 2019. In comparison with heparin, this anticoagulation strategy was not associated with a significant difference in bleeding or thrombotic complications, and was associated with a significantly decreased time to therapeutic anticoagulation goal, likely as a result of high rates of heparin resistance observed in this patient population.

Mechanical circulatory support in coronavirus disease-2019-positive patients with severe respiratory failure

OBJECTIVES

Treatment of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has been heavily debated. Our goal was to describe our findings in patients with severe ARDS due to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (sCOVID-19) treated with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vv-ECMO).

METHODS

We retrospectively examined all patients treated with vv-ECMO for severe ARDS due to acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

RESULTS

In total, 13 patients were treated with vv-ECMO in our medical centre. The mean patient age was 48.1 years. Most patients were obese (69%) and male (85%). All patients were mechanically ventilated before ECMO. The mean time from intubation to proning was 16.6 h; the time from start of prone therapy to vv-ECMO implantation was 155.1 h. The mean total ECMO run time was 358 h. Significant reduction of positive end-expiratory pressure (P = 0.02), peak pressure (P = 0.001) and minute volume (P = 0.03) could be achieved after implantation of vv-ECMO. All patients showed an inflammatory response. Overall mortality was 30.7%: 1 patient died of mesenteric ischaemia; 3 patients died of multiple organ failure. A worse prognosis was seen in patients with highly elevated concentrations of interleukin-6.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of vv-ECMO in patients with sCOVID-19-induced ARDS is safe and associated with improved respiratory ventilation settings. The rate of immune system involvement plays a pivotal role in the development and outcome of sCOVID-19.

Review of COVID-19, part 2: Musculoskeletal and neuroimaging manifestations including vascular involvement of the aorta and extremities

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has affected almost every country in the world resulting in severe morbidity, mortality and economic hardship, altering the landscape of healthcare forever. Its devastating and most frequent thoracic and cardiac manifestations have been well reported since the start of the pandemic. Its extra-thoracic manifestations are myriad and understanding them is critical in diagnosis and disease management. The role of radiology is growing in the second wave and second year of the pandemic as the multiorgan manifestations of COVID-19 continue to unfold. Musculoskeletal, neurologic and vascular disease processes account for a significant number of COVID-19 complications and understanding their frequency, clinical sequelae and imaging manifestations is vital in guiding management and improving overall survival. The authors aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology of the virus along with a detailed and systematic imaging review of the extra-thoracic manifestation of COVID-19. In Part I, abdominal manifestations of COVID-19 in adults and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children will be reviewed. In Part II, manifestations of COVID-19 in the musculoskeletal, central nervous and vascular systems will be reviewed.

Increased Intracranial Hemorrhage Amid Elevated Inflammatory Markers in Those With COVID-19 Supported With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

ABSTRACT

COVID-19-related coagulopathy is a known complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection and can lead to intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), one of the most feared complications of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). We sought to evaluate the incidence and etiology of ICH in patients with COVID-19 requiring ECMO. Patients at two academic medical centers with COVID-19 who required venovenous-ECMO support for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) were evaluated retrospectively. During the study period, 33 patients required ECMO support; 16 (48.5%) were discharged alive, 13 died (39.4%), and 4 (12.1%) had ongoing care. Eleven patients had ICH (33.3%). All ICH events occurred in patients who received intravenous anticoagulation. The ICH group had higher C-reactive protein (P = 0.04), procalcitonin levels (P = 0.02), and IL-6 levels (P = 0.05), lower blood pH before and after ECMO (P < 0.01), and higher activated partial thromboplastin times throughout the hospital stay (P < 0.0001). ICH-free survival was lower in COVID-19 patients than in patients on ECMO for ARDS caused by other viruses (49% vs. 79%, P = 0.02). In conclusion, patients with COVID-19 can be successfully bridged to recovery using ECMO but may suffer higher rates of ICH compared to those with other viral respiratory infections.

Comprehensive Review on Neuro-COVID-19 Pathophysiology and Clinical Consequences

Aside from the respiratory distress as the predominant clinical presentation of SARS-CoV-2 infection, various neurological complications have been reported with the infection during the ongoing pandemic, some of which cause serious morbidity and mortality. Herein, we gather the latest anatomical evidence of the virus's presence within the central nervous system. We then delve into the possible SARS-CoV-2 entry routes into the neurological tissues, with the hematogenous and the neuronal routes as the two utmost passage routes into the nervous system. We then give a comprehensive review of the neurological manifestations of the SARS-CoV-2 invasion in both the central and peripheral nervous system and its underlying pathophysiology via investigating large studies in the field and case reports in cases of study scarcity.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Induces Early Alterations in Coagulation and Fibrinolysis Profiles in COVID-19 Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Hemostatic changes induced by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support have been yet poorly documented in coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) patients who have a baseline complex hypercoagulable state. In this prospective monocentric study of patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) rescued by ECMO, we performed longitudinal measurements of coagulation and fibrinolysis markers throughout the course of ECMO support in 20 COVID-19 and 10 non-COVID-19 patients. Blood was sampled before and then 24 hours, 7, and 14 days after ECMO implantation. Clinical outcomes were prospectively assessed until discharge from the intensive care unit or death. The median age of participants was 47 (35-56) years, with a median body mass index of 30 (27-35) kg/m², and a Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment score of 12 (8-16). Baseline levels of von Willebrand factor, fibrinogen, factor VIII, prothrombin F1 + 2, thrombin-antithrombin, D-dimer, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were elevated in both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 ARDS patients, indicating that endothelial activation, endogenous thrombin generation, and fibrinolysis shutdown occur in all ARDS patients before ECMO implantation. From baseline to day 7, thrombin generation (prothrombin F1 + 2, p < 0.01) and fibrin formation markers (fibrin monomers, p < 0.001) significantly increased, further resulting in significant decreases in platelet count (p < 0.0001) and fibrinogen level (p < 0.001). PAI-1 levels significantly decreased from baseline to day 7 (p < 0.0001) in all ARDS patients. These changes were more marked in COVID-19 patients, resulting in 14 nonfatal and 3 fatal bleeding. Additional studies are warranted to determine whether monitoring of thrombin generation and fibrinolysis markers might help to early predict bleeding complications in COVID-19 patients supported by ECMO.

Neurological manifestations and neuroimaging findings in patients with SARS-CoV2-a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically affected everyone in a hit or miss manner. Since it began, evidence of the neuro-invasive potential of the virus has been intensifying significantly. Several pathways have been hypothesized to elucidate the neurotropic nature of SARS-CoV2. It is the need of the hour to collect vital information.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and correlate the neuro-radiological and neurological manifestations in patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV2.To identify neuro-invasive pathways of COVID infection.

METHODS

Relevant studies were identified through four databases-the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science. These were searched using relevant keywords-"COVID-19," "SARS-CoV2," "neurological manifestations," "neuroimaging," "CT," and "MRI." Relevant articles were screened according to a pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria from December 2019 to August 2020.

RESULTS

Our review included a total of 63 full text publications with 584 patients, composed mainly of observational studies, case reports, and case series. The most common neurological manifestations associated with COVID-19 were altered mental status, stroke, and paralysis. About 17.85% patients who underwent neuroimaging were found to be having ischemic changes suggestive of a stroke. This was followed by hemorrhagic changes as the second most common finding. The most commonly involved vessel was the Middle Cerebral Artery. Besides stroke, we found that SARS-CoV2 could be the cause for new-onset seizures, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, encephalitis, and many other severe neurological diseases.

CONCLUSION

The information that we have obtained so far will prove dynamic to healthcare providers working against the COVID-19 pandemic. It is necessary to be aware of these atypical neurological findings for the early diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 infected patients. However, to completely understand the connection between SARS-CoV2 and the nervous system, further research is necessary.

Intracerebral Hemorrhage in COVID-19 Patients with Pulmonary Failure: A Propensity Score-Matched Registry Study

BACKGROUND

Hypercoagulability in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) causes deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism necessitating systemic anticoagulation. Case reports of intracerebral hemorrhages in ventilated COVID-19 patients warrant precaution. It is unclear, however, if COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with or without veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy (VV-ECMO) have more intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH) compared to other ARDS patients.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective observational single-center study enrolling all patients with ARDS from 01/2018 to 05/2020. PCR-positive SARS-CoV-2 patients with ARDS were allocated to the COVID-19 group. Propensity score matching was performed for age, VV-ECMO, and bleeding risk.

RESULTS

A total of 163 patients with moderate or severe ARDS were identified, 47 (28.8%) in the COVID-19 group, and 116 (71.2%) in the non-COVID-19 group. In 63/163 cases (38.7%), VV-ECMO therapy was required. The ICU survival was 52.8%. COVID-19 patients were older, more often male, and exhibited a lower SOFA score, but the groups showed similar rates of VV-ECMO therapy. Treatments with antiplatelet agents (p = 0.043) and therapeutic anticoagulation (p = 0.028) were significantly more frequent in the COVID-19 patients. ICH was detected in 22 patients (13.5%) with no statistical difference between the groups (11.2 vs. 19.1% without and with SARS-CoV-2, respectively, p = 0.21). Propensity score matching confirmed similar rates of ICH in both groups (12.8 vs. 19.1% without and with SARS-CoV-2, respectively, p = 0.57), thus leveling out possible confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

Intracerebral hemorrhage was detected in every tenth patient with ARDS. Despite statistically higher rates of antiplatelet therapy and therapeutic anticoagulation in COVID-19 patients, we found a similar rate of ICH in patients with ARDS due to COVID-19 compared to other causes of ARDS.

Intracerebral hemorrhage in COVID-19: A narrative review

Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic affects the worldwide healthcare system and our understanding of this disease grows rapidly. Although COVID-19 is a mainly respiratory disease, neurological manifestations are not uncommon. The aim of this review is to report on the etiology, clinical profile, location, and outcome of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and COVID-19. This review includes 36 studies examining ICH in the clinical presentation of COVID-19. Overall, 217 cases with intracranial hemorrhage, of which 188 ICHs, were reported. Generally, a low incidence of both primary and secondary ICH was found in 8 studies [106 (0.25%) out of 43,137 hospitalized patients with COVID-19]. Available data showed a median age of 58 years (range: 52–68) and male sex 64%, regarding 36 and 102 patients respectively. Furthermore, 75% of the patients were on prior anticoagulation treatment, 52% had a history of arterial hypertension, and 61% were admitted in intensive care unit. Location of ICH in deep structures/basal ganglia was ascertained in only 7 cases making arterial hypertension an improbable etiopathogenetic mechanism. Mortality was calculated at 52.7%. Disease related pathophysiologic mechanisms support the hypothesis that SARS-CoV2 can cause ICH, however typical ICH risk factors such as anticoagulation treatment, or admission to ICU should also be considered as probable causes. Physicians should strongly suspect the possibility of ICH in individuals with severe COVID-19 admitted to ICU and treated with anticoagulants. It is not clear whether ICH is related directly to COVID-19 or reflects expected comorbidity and/or complications observed in severely ill patients.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for COVID-19: Updated 2021 Guidelines from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization

DISCLAIMER

This is an updated guideline from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) for the role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for patients with severe cardiopulmonary failure due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The great majority of COVID-19 patients (>90%) requiring ECMO have been supported using venovenous (V-V) ECMO for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). While COVID-19 ECMO run duration may be longer than in non-COVID-19 ECMO patients, published mortality appears to be similar between the two groups. However, data collection is ongoing, and there is a signal that overall mortality may be increasing. Conventional selection criteria for COVID-19-related ECMO should be used; however, when resources become more constrained during a pandemic, more stringent contraindications should be implemented. Formation of regional ECMO referral networks may facilitate communication, resource sharing, expedited patient referral, and mobile ECMO retrieval. There are no data to suggest deviation from conventional ECMO device or patient management when applying ECMO for COVID-19 patients. Rarely, children may require ECMO support for COVID-19-related ARDS, myocarditis, or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C); conventional selection criteria and management practices should be the standard. We strongly encourage participation in data submission to investigate the optimal use of ECMO for COVID-19.

The role of rotational thromboelastometry during the COVID-19 pandemic: a narrative review

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is currently recognized as a global health crisis. This viral infection is frequently associated with hypercoagulability, with a high incidence of thromboembolic complications that can be fatal. In many situations, the standard coagulation tests (SCT) fail to detect this state of hypercoagulability in patients with COVID-19 since clotting times are either not or only mildly affected. The role of viscoelastic tests such as rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) during this pandemic is explored in this review. COVID-19-associated coagulopathy, as measured using the rotational thromboelastometry parameters, can vary from hypercoagulability due to increased fibrin polymerization and decreased fibrinolysis to bleeding from hypocoagulability. The use of a multimodal diagnostic and monitoring approach, including both rotational thromboelastometry and SCT, such as plasma fibrinogen and D-dimer concentrations, is recommended. Rotational thromboelastometry provides comprehensive information about the full coagulation status of each patient and detects individual variations. Since COVID-19-associated coagulopathy is a very dynamic process, the phenotype can change during the course of infection and in response to anticoagulation therapy. Data from published literature provide evidence that the combination of rotational thromboelastometry and SCT analysis is helpful in detecting hemostasis issues, guiding anticoagulant therapy, and improving outcomes in COVID-19 patients. However, more research is needed to develop evidence-based guidelines and protocols.

The Year in Coagulation: Selected Highlights from 2020

This is the second annual review in the Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia to cover highlights in coagulation for cardiac surgery. The goal of this article is to provide readers with a focused summary from the literature of the prior year's most important coagulation topics. In 2020, this included a discussion covering allogeneic transfusion, antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy, factor concentrates, coagulation testing, mechanical circulatory support, and the effects of coronavirus disease 2019.

Characteristics of intracerebral haemorrhage associated with COVID-19: a systematic review and pooled analysis of individual patient and aggregate data

Background and purpose

There are very few studies of the characteristics and causes of ICH in COVID-19, yet such data are essential to guide clinicians in clinical management, including challenging anticoagulation decisions. We aimed to describe the characteristics of spontaneous symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) associated with COVID-19.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Database for data from patients with SARS-CoV-2 detected prior to or within 7 days after symptomatic ICH. We did a pooled analysis of individual patient data, then combined data from this pooled analysis with aggregate-level data.

Results

We included data from 139 patients (98 with individual data and 41 with aggregate-level data). In our pooled individual data analysis, the median age (IQR) was 60 (53–67) years and 64% (95% CI 54–73.7%) were male; 79% (95% CI 70.0–86.9%) had critically severe COVID-19. The pooled prevalence of lobar ICH was 67% (95% CI 56.3–76.0%), and of multifocal ICH was 36% (95% CI 26.4–47.0%). 71% (95% CI 61.0–80.4%) of patients were treated with anticoagulation (58% (95% CI 48–67.8%) therapeutic). The median NIHSS was 28 (IQR 15–28); mortality was 54% (95% CI 43.7–64.2%). Our combined analysis of individual and aggregate data showed similar findings. The pooled incidence of ICH across 12 cohort studies of inpatients with COVID-19 (n = 63,390) was 0.38% (95% CI 0.22–0.58%).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that ICH associated with COVID-19 has different characteristics compared to ICH not associated with COVID-19, including frequent lobar location and multifocality, a high rate of anticoagulation, and high mortality. These observations suggest different underlying mechanisms of ICH in COVID-19 with potential implications for clinical treatment and trials.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00415-021-10425-9.

Role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in critically Ill COVID-19 patients and predictors of mortality

The role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the management of critically ill COVID‐19 patients remains unclear. Our study aims to analyze the outcomes and risk factors from patients treated with ECMO. This retrospective, single‐center study includes 17 COVID‐19 patients treated with ECMO. Univariate and multivariate parametric survival regression identified predictors of survival. Nine patients (53%) were successfully weaned from ECMO and discharged. The incidence of in‐hospital mortality was 47%. In a univariate analysis, only four out of 83 pre‐ECMO variables were significantly different; IL‐6, PCT, and NT‐proBNP were significantly higher in non‐survivors than in survivors. The Respiratory Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Survival Prediction (RESP) score was significantly higher in survivors. After a multivariate parametric survival regression, IL‐6, NT‐proBNP and RESP scores remained significant independent predictors, with hazard ratios (HR) of 1.069 [95%‐CI: 0.986‐1.160], P = .016 1.001 [95%‐CI: 1.000‐1.001], P = .012; and .843 [95%‐CI: 0.564‐1.260], P = .040, respectively. A prediction model comprising IL‐6, NT‐proBNP, and RESP score showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.87, with a sensitivity of 87.5% and 77.8% specificity compared to an AUC of 0.79 for the RESP score alone. The present study suggests that ECMO is a potentially lifesaving treatment for selected critically ill COVID‐19 patients. Considering IL‐6 and NT‐pro‐BNP, in addition to the RESP score, may enhance outcome predictions.