Risk Factors and Outcomes for Patients with Bleeding Complications Receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: An Analysis of the Chinese Extracorporeal Life Support Registry

Characteristics of Bleeding Complications in Patients with Severe COVID-19 Requiring Veno-venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Japan

BACKGROUND

 Complications during veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) are associated with in-hospital mortality. Asian patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) have higher risks of bleeding and in-hospital mortality than Caucasian patients. This study aimed to characterize and identify bleeding complications and their associated factors related to in-hospital mortality in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) requiring VV-ECMO in Japan.

METHODS

 In this retrospective observational analysis, the prospective nationwide multicenter registry was used to track real-time information from intensive care units throughout Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. VV-ECMO patients' registry data between February 1, 2020 and October 31, 2022 were used.

RESULTS

 This study included 441 patients; 178 (40%) had bleeding complications in the following sites: 20% at the cannulation site, 16% in the gastrointestinal tract, 16% in the ear-nose-throat, 13% at the tracheostomy site, 9% intrathoracic, 6% intracranial, and 5% in the iliopsoas. Anticoagulation was discontinued in >50% of patients with intracranial, iliopsoas, and gastrointestinal tract bleeding. ECMO was discontinued in one-third of patients with intracranial, intramuscular, and iliopsoas hemorrhages. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that only gastrointestinal tract bleeding was associated with in-hospital mortality (odds ratio: 2.49; 95% confidence interval: 1.11-5.60; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

 Incidence of bleeding complications was 40% in the Japanese population. Gastrointestinal tract bleeding emerged as a significant predictor of adverse outcomes, necessitating further research into preventive strategies and optimized care protocols. These findings can guide the management of VV-ECMO patients with COVID-19.

Evaluation of an aPTT guided versus a multimodal heparin monitoring approach in patients on extra corporeal membrane oxygenation: A retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Bleeding and thrombotic complications are common in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients and are associated with increased mortality and morbidity. The optimal anticoagulation monitoring protocol in these patients is unknown. This study aims to compare the incidence of thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications before and after a protocol change. In addition, the association between hemostatic complications, coagulation tests and risk factors is evaluated.

METHODS

This is a retrospective single center cohort study of adult ECMO patients. We collected demographics, ECMO parameters and coagulation test results. Outcomes of the aPTT guided and multimodal protocol, including aPTT, anti-Xa assay and rotational thromboelastometry were compared and the association between coagulation tests, risk factors and hemostatic complications was determined using a logistic regression analysis for repeated measurements.

RESULTS

In total, 250 patients were included, 138 in the aPTT protocol and 112 in the multimodal protocol. The incidence of thrombosis (aPTT: 14%; multimodal: 12%) and bleeding (aPTT: 36%; multimodal: 40%), did not significantly differ between protocols. In the aPTT guided protocol, the aPTT was associated with thrombosis (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.015; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.004-1.027). In both protocols, surgical interventions were risk factors for bleeding and thrombotic complications (aPTT: OR 93.2, CI 39.9-217.6; multimodal OR 17.5, CI 6.5-46.9).

DISCUSSION

The incidence of hemostatic complications was similar between both protocols and surgical interventions were a risk factor for hemostatic complications. Results from this study help to elucidate the role of coagulation tests and risk factors in predicting hemostatic complications in patients undergoing ECMO support.

Bleeding and Thrombosis in Patients With Out-of-Hospital Ventricular Tachycardia/Ventricular Fibrillation Arrest Treated With Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation improves outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. However, bleeding and thrombosis are common complications. We aimed to describe the incidence and predictors of bleeding and thrombosis and their association with in-hospital mortality.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Consecutive patients presenting with refractory ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation out-of-hospital cardiac arrest between December 2015 and March 2022 who met the criteria for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation initiation at our center were included. Major bleeding was defined by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization's criteria. Adjusted analyses were done to seek out risk factors for bleeding and thrombosis and evaluate their association with mortality. Major bleeding occurred in 135 of 200 patients (67.5%), with traumatic bleeding from cardiopulmonary resuscitation in 73 (36.5%). Baseline demographics and arrest characteristics were similar between groups. In multivariable analysis, decreasing levels of fibrinogen were independently associated with bleeding (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.98 per every 10 mg/dL rise [95% CI, 0.96-0.99]). Patients who died had a higher rate of bleeds per day (0.21 versus 0.03, P<0.001) though bleeding was not significantly associated with in-hospital death (aHR, 0.81 [95% CI. 0.55-1.19]). A thrombotic event occurred in 23.5% (47/200) of patients. Venous thromboembolism occurred in 11% (22/200) and arterial thrombi in 15.5% (31/200). Clinical characteristics were comparable between groups. In adjusted analyses, no risk factors for thrombosis were identified. Thrombosis was not associated with in-hospital death (aHR, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.42-1.03]).

CONCLUSIONS

Bleeding is a frequent complication of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation that is associated with decreased fibrinogen levels on admission whereas thrombosis is less common. Neither bleeding nor thrombosis was significantly associated with in-hospital mortality.

Survival and neurological function in patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and therapeutic hypothermia: a protocol for updating a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

The widespread application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has enhanced clinical outcomes for patients experiencing cardiac arrest. However, its effectiveness is still limited and falls short of the desired level. Therapeutic hypothermia, which maintains body temperatures between 32°C and 36°C in cardiac arrest patients treated with ECMO, has been proposed as a potential means of neuroprotection and increased survival rates. Nevertheless, it remains controversial, and its impact on patient complications has yet to be fully understood. Thus, this paper aims to update the protocol for a systematic review of patients treated with ECMO and therapeutic hypothermia, in order to explore its effects on survival and neurological function.

METHOD AND ANALYSIS

This protocol has been developed in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols 2015. The following databases will be systematically searched: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, Ovid, CNKI, Wanfang and China Biology Medicine Disc. The database search strategy will use a combination of subject terms and free-text keywords. The search will encompass articles from the inception of each database up to 15 June 2023. Inclusion criteria encompass randomised controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies and quasi-experimental studies. Two researchers will independently review articles and extract relevant data based on these criteria. Any disagreements will be resolved through discussion. Data analysis will be performed using Review Manager software.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Since no patient data were collected in this study, ethical approval was not required. Research findings will be released in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42023435353.

Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Patients: A Comprehensive Analysis of Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes

Background

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an intervention for severe heart and lung failure; however, it poses the risk of complications, including gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). Comprehensive analyses of GIB in patients undergoing ECMO are limited, and its impact on clinical outcomes remains unclear.

Methods

This retrospective study included 484 patients who received venovenous and venoarterial ECMO between January 2015 and December 2022. Data collected included patient characteristics, laboratory results, GIB details, and interventions. Statistical analyses were performed to identify risk factors and assess the outcomes.

Results

GIB occurred in 44 of 484 patients (9.1%) who received ECMO. Multivariable analysis revealed that older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.06; p=0.0130) and need to change the ECMO mode (OR, 3.74; 95% CI, 1.75-7.96; p=0.0006) were significant risk factors for GIB, whereas no association was found with antiplatelet or systemic anticoagulation therapies during ECMO management. Half of the patients with GIB (22/44, 50%) underwent intervention, with endoscopy as the primary modality (19/22, 86.4%). Patients who underwent ECMO and developed GIB had higher rates of mortality (40/44 [90.9%] vs. 262/440 [59.5%]) and ECMO weaning failure (38/44 [86.4%] vs. 208/440 [47.3%]).

Conclusion

GIB in patients undergoing ECMO is associated with adverse outcomes, including increased risks of mortality and weaning failure. Even in seemingly uncomplicated cases, it is crucial to avoid underestimating the significance of GIB.

Risk factors for bleeding complications in patients undergoing extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a secondary analysis of the SAVE-J II study

BACKGROUND

Bleeding is the most common complication in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients receiving extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). No studies comprehensively described the incidence rate, timing of onset, risk factors, and treatment of bleeding complications in OHCA patients receiving ECPR in a multicenter setting with a large database. This study aimed to analyze the risk factors of bleeding during the first day of admission and to comprehensively describe details of bleeding during hospitalization in patients with OHCA receiving ECPR in the SAVE-J II study database.

METHODS

This study was a secondary analysis of the SAVE-J II study, which is a multicenter retrospective registry study from 36 participating institutions in Japan in 2013-2018. Adult OHCA patients who received ECPR were included. The primary outcome was the risk factor of bleeding complications during the first day of admission. The secondary outcomes were the details of bleeding complications and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 1,632 patients were included. Among these, 361 patients (22.1%) had bleeding complications during hospital stay, which most commonly occurred in cannulation sites (14.3%), followed by bleeding in the retroperitoneum (2.8%), gastrointestinal tract (2.2%), upper airway (1.2%), and mediastinum (1.1%). These bleeding complications developed within two days of admission, and 21.9% of patients required interventional radiology (IVR) or/and surgical interventions for hemostasis. The survival rate at discharge of the bleeding group was 27.4%, and the rate of favorable neurological outcome at discharge was 14.1%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the platelet count (< 10 × 104/μL vs > 10 × 104/μL) was significantly associated with bleeding complications during the first day of admission (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.865 [1.252-2.777], p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

In a large ECPR registry database in Japan, up to 22.1% of patients experienced bleeding complications requiring blood transfusion, IVR, or surgical intervention for hemostasis. The initial platelet count was a significant risk factor of early bleeding complications. It is necessary to lower the occurrence of bleeding complications from ECPR, and this study provided an additional standard value for future studies to improve its safety.

Functional status of pediatric patients after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A five-year single-center study

OBJECTIVE

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a widely used treatment for circulatory and pulmonary support in newborns and young children. Over the past decade, the number of children successfully treated with ECMO has gradually increased. However, despite an increasing number of survivors, new morbidity and long-term health issues are becoming more prevalent. A better understanding of the pediatric ECMO prognosis contributes to improved treatment and care programs and minimizes the risk of sequelae and dysfunctions. We aimed to determine the incidence of new morbidity, prognoses, and follow-up data of survivors treated with ECMO in pediatric intensive care units (PICU) using the Functional Status Scale (FSS).

METHODS

We retrospectively collected and analyzed clinical data of patients in the PICU who received ECMO from January 2016 to January 2020. Clinical and functional outcomes were assessed at admission and discharge using the FSS. Twenty-seven patients aged between 1 month and 14 years who received ECMO in the PICU were included. Fifty-two percent were male, and the median age was 36 months (interquartile range, 21-114 months). The patients were admitted for fulminant myocarditis (n = 13), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (n = 11), and septic shock (n = 3).

RESULTS

This study reviewed a single-center experience using the FSS for ECMO treatment in a PICU. The patients' original conditions included fulminant myocarditis, ARDS, and septic shock. Of the 27 patients who received ECMO, 9 (33%) died, 12 (67%) showed improved condition, and 6 (33%) discontinued treatment and left the hospital. Furthermore, the following adverse events were observed in the survivors who were discharged: nine (50%) cases of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis, seven (39%) jugular vein thrombosis, six (33%) acute kidney injury, five (27%) intracranial hemorrhage and cerebral infarction, and one each of (6% each) pulmonary embolism and peripheral nerve injury. Of the 12 patients who survived through 1 year after discharge, five (42%) recovered completely, whereas seven (58%) showed mild to moderate communication and motor dysfunction. The short-term survival rate and 1-year survival rate of ECMO patients were 67% (18/27) and 44% (12/27), respectively. Additionally, approximately one-third of the patients developed a new morbidity after ECMO treatment (6/18).

CONCLUSIONS

High mortality and new morbidity were common in patients who received ECMO treatment. New morbidity increased the risk of death and exacerbated the functional state. Follow-up and rehabilitation after discharge are essential to achieve positive outcomes.