Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation following Norwood stage 1 procedures at a single institution

Postcardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients with congenital heart disease; the effect of place of initiation

BACKGROUND

Postcardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in pediatric patients can be affected by the place of initiation, either in the operating room (OR) or the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (PCICU). This study aimed to characterize and compare patients who had postcardiotomy ECMO initiation in the OR or PCICU and evaluate risk factors for hospital mortality.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 103 patients who required postcardiotomy ECMO support after the repair of congenital cardiac lesions from 2010 to 2022. Patients were grouped according to the place of ECMO insertion into two groups. Group 1 (n = 69) had ECMO insertion in the OR, and Group 2 (n = 34) had ECMO insertion in the PCICU.

RESULTS

Cardiac arrest occurred significantly more often in patients with ECMO insertion in the PCICU (21 (61.76%) vs. 13 (18.84%); p < 0.001). Pre-ECMO lactate levels, pH, VIS, base deficit, and PaO2 did not differ between the groups. Re-exploration for bleeding was significantly higher in Group 1 (32 (46.38%) vs. 8 (23.53%); p = 0.03). Cannula repositioning (4 (11.76%) v. 2 (2.90%); p = 0.09) and mechanical ventilation time were nonsignificantly higher in Group 2 (19.5 (10-31) vs. 11 (5-25) days; p = 0.07). No difference in mortality was found between groups (42 (60.87%) vs. 23 (67.65%), p = 0.50). By multivariable analysis, elevated lactate on ECMO and low pH before ECMO were associated with mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

ECMO insertion in the OR has a comparable mortality rate to PCICU insertion. Pre-ECMO low pH and high lactate during ECMO could predict mortality.

Use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and cerebral oximetry in a stage 1 norwood repair for hypoplastic left heart syndrome

The role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and its indications in stage I Norwood palliation are controversial. The decision to initiate ECMO and its timing remains difficult with no definitive cut-off points or evidence-based guidelines. It varies on a case-to-case basis. We report a case where the use of ECMO was beneficial after stage I Norwood palliation with severe ventricular dysfunction. The systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt was kept open to balance the systemic and pulmonary circulations. Cerebral oximetry can be useful as an additional monitoring modality to guide management, monitor cerebral perfusion, and help detect cerebral steal.

Hemodynamic and Echocardiographic Predictors of Mortality in Pediatric Patients on Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Multicenter Investigation

BACKGROUND

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) supports patients with advanced cardiac dysfunction; however, mortality occurs in a significant subset of patients. The authors performed a multicenter, prospective study to determine hemodynamic and echocardiographic predictors of mortality in children placed on ECMO for cardiac support.

METHODS

Over 8 years, six heart centers prospectively assessed echocardiographic and hemodynamic variables on full and minimum ECMO flow. Sixty-three patients were enrolled, ranging in age from 1 day to 16 years. Hemodynamic measurements included heart rate, vasoactive inotropic score, arteriovenous oxygen difference, pulse pressure, and lactate. Echocardiographic variables included shortening fraction, ejection fraction (EF), right ventricular fractional area change, outflow tract Doppler-derived stroke distance (velocity-time integral [VTI]), and degree of atrioventricular valve regurgitation. Patients were stratified into two groups: those who were able to wean within 48 hours of assessment and survived without ventricular assist devices or orthotopic heart transplantation (successful wean group) and those with unsuccessful weaning. For each patient, variables were compared between full and minimum ECMO flow for each group.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients (60%) formed the unsuccessful group (two with ventricular assist devices, four with orthotopic heart transplantation, 24 deaths), and 25 constituted the successful wean group. At minimum flow, higher EF (53 ± 16% vs 40 ± 20%, P = .0094), less mitral regurgitation (0.8 ± 0.9 vs 1.4 ± 0.9, P = .0329), and lower central venous pressure (12.0 ± 3.9 vs 14.7 ± 5.4 mm Hg), along with higher VTI (9.0 ± 2.9 vs 6.8 ± 3.7 cm, P = .0154), correlated successful weaning. A longer duration of ECMO (8 vs 5 days, P < .0002) was associated with unsuccessful weaning. Multivariate logistic regression predicted minimum-flow EF and VTI to independently predict successful weaning with cutoff values by receiver operating characteristic analysis of EF > 41% (area under the curve, 0.712; P = .0005) and VTI > 7.9 cm (area under the curve, 0.729; P = .0010).

CONCLUSIONS

Diminished VTI or EF during ECMO weaning predicts the need for orthotopic heart transplantation or ventricular assist device support or death in children on ECMO for cardiac dysfunction. Increased postwean central venous pressure or mitral regurgitation along with a prolonged ECMO course also predicted these adverse outcomes. These measurements should be used to help discriminate which patients will require alternative methods of circulatory support for survival.

Impact of Intraoperative Residual Lesions and Timing of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation on Outcomes Following First-Stage Palliation of Single Ventricle Heart Disease

BACKGROUND

Data regarding the influence of intraoperative residual lesions on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) following the Norwood procedure are limited. Moreover, the significance of postoperative ECMO timing on in-hospital outcomes remains incompletely characterized.

METHODS

This was a single-center, retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent the Norwood operation from January 1997 to November 2017. Patients with at least minor residual lesions based on the intraoperative postcardiopulmonary bypass echocardiogram were identified. The association between residual lesions and postoperative ECMO was assessed with logistic regression, adjusting for age, weight, prematurity, various preoperative system-specific and procedural risk factors, shunt type, and era. Among patients receiving ECMO, associations between late ECMO (≥3 days post-Norwood) and in-hospital mortality or transplant, postoperative hospital length-of-stay, and cost of hospitalization were evaluated using logistic regression or generalized linear models with a gamma distribution and logarithmic link.

RESULTS

Among 500 patients, 78 (15.6%) received ECMO postoperatively. On multivariable analysis, the presence of at least minor residual lesions (odds ratio, 4.4; 95% CI, 2.1-9.3; P < .001) was associated with postoperative ECMO. In the ECMO subpopulation, there were 44 (56.4%) deaths or transplants. Late ECMO was associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality or transplant (adjusted odds ratio, 6.2; 95% CI, 1.5-26.0), longer postoperative hospital length of stay (regression coefficient, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.3-1.1), and greater cost (regression coefficient, 0.6; 95%, CI 0.4-0.7), versus early ECMO (all P values < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of even minor intraoperative residua significantly increases the risk of ECMO following the Norwood operation. Among patients receiving ECMO postoperatively, early institution of ECMO is associated with lower mortality and resource utilization.

The Outcome of Post-cardiotomy Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Neonates and Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Post-cardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (PC-ECMO) is a known rescue therapy for neonates and pediatric patients who failed to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) or who deteriorate in intensive care unit (ICU) due to various reasons such as low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS), cardiac arrest and respiratory failure. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the survival in neonates and pediatric patients who require PC-ECMO and sought the difference in survivals by each indication for PC-ECMO.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

SETTING

Multi-institutional analysis.

PARTICIPANTS

Neonates and pediatric patients who requires PC- ECMO.

INTERVENTIONS

ECMO after open-heart surgery.

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies were included in the analysis with a total of 186,648 patients and the proportion of the population who underwent PC-ECMO was 2.5% (2,683 patients). The overall pooled proportion of survival in this population was 43.3% [95% Confidence interval (CI): 41.3-45.3%; I ²: 1%]. The survival by indications of PC-ECMO were 44.6% (95% CI: 42.6-46.6; I ²: 0%) for CPB weaning failure, 47.3% (95% CI: 39.9-54.7%; I ²: 5%) for LCOS, 37.6% (95% CI: 31.0-44.3%; I ²: 32%) for cardiac arrest and 47.7% (95% CI: 32.5-63.1%; I ²: 0%) for respiratory failure. Survival from PC-ECMO for single ventricle or biventricular physiology, was reported by 12 studies. The risk ratio (RR) was 0.74 for survival in patients with single ventricle physiology (95% CI: 0.63-0.86; I ²: 40%, P < 0.001). Eight studies reported on the survival after PC-ECMO for genetic conditions. The RR was 0.93 for survival in patients with genetic condition (95% CI: 0.52-1.65; I ²: 65%, P = 0.812).

CONCLUSIONS

PC-ECMO is an effective modality to support neonates and pediatric patients in case of failed CPB weaning and deterioration in ICU. Even though ECMO seems to improve survival, mortality and morbidity remain high, especially in neonates and pediatric patients with single ventricle physiology. Most genetic conditions alone should not be considered a contraindication to ECMO support, further studies are needed to determine which genetic abnormalities are associated with favorable outcome.

Use of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation After Congenital Heart Disease Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been widely used to treat cardiopulmonary failure in patients with congenital heart defects (CHD) postoperatively. A meta-analysis is performed for outcomes of postoperative CHD patients on ECMO. Methods: Electronic databases, including PubMed, EMbase, and Cochrane Library CENTRAL were searched systematically from January 1990 to June 2020 for literature which reported the outcomes of postoperative CHD cases on ECMO. The scope of this search was restricted to articles published in English. Results: Forty-three studies were included in this study, involving 3,585 subjects. Postoperative ventricular failure with low cardiac output was the most common indication of ECMO initiation. The pooled estimated incidence of in-hospital mortality was 56.8% (95% CI, 52.5-61.0%). Bleeding was the most common complication with ECMO with an incidence of 47.1% (95% CI, 38.5-55.8%). Multivariate meta-regression analysis revealed that single ventricular physiology (coefficient 0.213, 95% CI 0.099-0.327, P = 0.001) and renal failure (coefficient 0.315, 95% CI 0.091-0.540, P = 0.008) were two independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Conclusions: There is an overall high in-hospital mortality of 56.8% in postoperative CHD patients on ECMO. Bleeding is the most common complication during ECMO running with an incidence of 47.1%. Single ventricular physiology and renal failure, as two independent risk factors, may potentially increase in-hospital mortality. Further studies exploring the differences in outcomes between ECMO and other extracorporeal life support strategies are warranted.

Use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in postcardiotomy pediatric patients: parameters affecting survival

AIM

We aimed to investigate the risk factors affecting survival after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use in pediatric postcardiotomy patients.

METHODS

One hundred thirty-three consecutive patients who underwent surgery for congenital heart disease who needed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

In all, 3,082 patients were operated, of which 140 patients (4.54% of the total number of operations) needed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Eighty (60.1%) patients were successfully weaned and 51 (38.3%) patients were discharged. Of the 50 patients discharged during the mean follow-up period of 34.8 (0-192.4) months, 6 (12%) patients died. The extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support was instituted in 29 (21.8%) patients for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cardiopulmonary resuscitation, in 44 (33.1%) patients due to the inability to be separated from cardiopulmonary bypass, in 19 (14.3%) patients due to respiratory failure, and in 41 patients due to low cardiac output syndrome. Eighty patients (60.2%) were successfully weaned from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. The remaining 53 (39.8%) patients died on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Mortality was observed in 29 (21.8%) of the 80 patients in the successful weaning group, while the remaining 51 (38.3%) patients were discharged from the hospital. Multivariate analysis showed that double-ventricular physiology increased the rate of successful weaning (odds ratio: 3.4, 95% confidence interval lower: 1.5 and upper: 8, p = 0.004) and prolonged extracorporeal membrane oxygenation durations were a risk factor in successful weaning (odds ratio: 0.9, 95% confidence interval lower: 0.8 and upper: 0.9, p = 0.007). The parameters affecting mortality were the presence of syndrome (odds ratio: 3.8, 95% confidence interval lower: 1.0 and upper: 14.9, p = 0.05), single-ventricular physiology (odds ratio: 5.3, 95% confidence interval lower: 1.8 and upper: 15.3, p = 0.002), and the need for a second extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (odds ratio: 12.9, 95% confidence interval lower: 1.6 and upper: 104.2, p = 0.02). While 1-year survival was 15.2% and 3-year survival was 12.1% in patients with single-ventricular physiology, the respective survival rates were 43.9% and 40.8%.

CONCLUSION

Parameters affecting mortality after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in pediatric postcardiotomy patient group were the presence of a syndrome, multiple runs of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and single-ventricular physiology. Timing of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation initiation, appropriate patient selection, appropriate reintervention or reoperation for patients with correctable pathology, the use of an appropriate cannulation strategy in single-ventricle patients, management of shunt flow, and appropriate interventions to reduce the incidence of complications play key roles in improving survival.

Improved outcomes in neonates who require venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after the Norwood procedure

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after the Norwood procedure has historically been associated with poor outcomes, with reported hospital survival rates of 13%-48%. We hypothesized that contemporary outcomes in this population have improved. We aimed to compare clinical outcomes of contemporary cohorts of patients with functional single ventricle physiology who did and did not receive extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after the Norwood procedure.

METHODS

Single-center retrospective cohort study of patients with single ventricle anatomy who underwent the Norwood procedure between 2009 and 2017 was performed. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were constructed, and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to compare transplant-free survival in patients who did and did not receive venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

RESULTS

In total, 85 patients met inclusion criteria. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was utilized in 25 patients (29%). A total of 18 patients (72%) who received venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation survived to hospital discharge, compared to 54 patients (92%) who did not receive venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (p = 0.013). Post-discharge transplant-free survival was not significantly different between patients who did and did not receive venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (log-rank p value = 0.28). Cox proportional hazard regression analysis revealed that the occurrence of cardiac arrest requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation (hazard ratio = 4.5; 95% confidence interval = 2.0-10.1) during the perioperative period was independently associated with death or transplantation, whereas venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was not an independent risk factor for death or transplantation (hazard ratio = 2.0; 95% confidence interval = 0.8-4.9).

CONCLUSION

In our cohort of children who received venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after the Norwood procedure, hospital survival was improved compared to historical data. In addition, venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation utilization was not independently associated with worse outcomes.

Survival After Norwood Procedure in High-Risk Patients

BACKGROUND

Multiple single-ventricle populations are noted to be at increased risk for mortality after the Norwood procedure. Preoperative risk factors include low birth weight, restrictive/intact atrial septum, obstructed pulmonary veins, ventricular dysfunction, and atrioventricular valve regurgitation. We report outcomes of the Norwood procedure in standard- and high-risk patients in the recent era.

METHODS

All patients born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome between 2006 and 2016 who underwent a Norwood procedure at our institution were included. Patient data were retrospectively reviewed, and Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate survival between groups.

RESULTS

The cohort included 177 patients. Fifty patients were determined high-risk preoperatively: low birth weight (n = 18), ventricular dysfunction/atrioventricular valve regurgitation (n = 13), intact or restrictive atrial septum/obstructed anomalous pulmonary venous return (n = 14), and multiple factors (n = 5). There were 2 (1.6%) deaths before Glenn in the standard-risk group, with a total of 10 (20%) from the high-risk groups (P < .0001). Survival at 1 year differed greatly between groups, with highest being standard risk at 89% and lowest in the intact septum/obstructed veins group at 54%. The difference between groups in long-term survival was significant (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes after the Norwood procedure have improved for standard-risk patients. Those with preoperative risk factors account for most of the early deaths after the Norwood procedure. This high-risk status does not resolve after Glenn, because longer-term survival continues to diverge from the standard-risk group.

Predictors and outcomes of early post-operative veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation following infant cardiac surgery

Background

We aimed to determine predictors of, and outcomes after, veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation instituted within 48 h after cardiac surgery (early ECMO) in young infants.

Methods

Patients ≤ 6 weeks old having cardiac surgery from 2003 to 2012 were enrolled prospectively. Patients cannulated pre-operatively, intra-operatively, or ≥ 48 h post-operatively were excluded. Variables at p ≤ 0.1 on univariate regression were entered into multiple logistic regression to predict early ECMO. Early-ECMO cases were matched 1:2 for six demographic variables, and death by age 2 years old (determined using conditional logistic regression; presented as odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI)) and General Adaptive Composite scores at age 2 years (determined using Wilcoxon rank sum) were compared; p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Of 565 eligible patients over the 10-year period, 20 had early ECMO instituted at a mean (standard deviation) of 12.4 (11.4) h post-operatively, 10 of whom had extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Of early-ECMO patients, 8 (40%) were found to have residual anatomic defects requiring intervention with catheterization (n = 1) and/or surgery (n = 7). On multiple regression, the post-operative day 1 highest vasoactive-inotrope score (OR 1.02; 95%CI 1.06,1.08; p < 0.001), highest lactate (OR 1.2; 95%CI 1.06,1.35; p = 0.003), and lowest base deficit (OR 0.82; 95%CI 0.71,0.94; p = 0.004), CPB time (OR 1.01; 95%CI 1.00,1.02; p = 0.002), and single-ventricle anatomy (OR 5.35; 95%CI 1.66,17.31; p = 0.005) were associated with early ECMO. Outcomes at 2 years old compared between early-ECMO and matched patients were mortality 11/20 (55%) vs 11/40 (28%) (OR 3.22, 95%CI 0.98,10.63; p = 0.054) and General Adaptive Composite median 65 [interquartile range (IQR) 58, 81.5] in 9 survivors vs 93 [IQR 86.5, 102.5] in 29 survivors (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

The identified risk factors for, and outcomes after, having early ECMO may aid decision making in the acute period and confirm that neurodevelopmental follow-up for these children is necessary. The hypothesis that earlier institution of ECMO may improve long-term outcomes requires further study.

Outcomes of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Children: An 11-Year Single-Center Experience in Korea

Background

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has become an important treatment modality in pediatric patients with cardiopulmonary failure, but few studies have been conducted in Korea.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of pediatric patients younger than 18 years who were placed on ECMO between January 2004 and December 2014 at Samsung Medical Center.

Results

We identified 116 children on ECMO support. The overall rate of successful weaning was 51.7%, and the survival to discharge rate was 37.1%. There were 39, 61, and 16 patients on ECMO for respiratory, cardiac, and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, respectively. The weaning rate in each group was 48.7%, 55.7%, and 43.8%, respectively. The survival rate was 43.6%, 36.1%, and 25.0%, respectively. Sixteen patients on ECMO had functional single ventricle physiology; in this group, the weaning rate was 43.8% and the survival rate was 31.3%. Ten patients were on ECMO as a bridge to transplantation (8 for heart and 2 for lung). In patients with heart transplantation, the rate of survival to transplantation was 50.0%, and the overall rate of survival to discharge was 37.5%.

Conclusion

An increasing trend in pediatric ECMO utilization was observed. The outcomes were favorable considering the early experiences that were included in this study and the limited supply of specialized equipment for pediatric patients.

Association of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support Adequacy and Residual Lesions With Outcomes in Neonates Supported After Cardiac Surgery

OBJECTIVES

There is a paucity of data regarding the impact of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, adequacy of surgical repair, and timing of intervention for residual structural lesions in neonates cannulated to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after cardiac surgery. Our goal was to determine how these factors were associated with survival.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Cardiovascular ICU.

SUBJECTS

Neonates (≤ 28 d old) with congenital heart disease cannulated to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after cardiac surgery during 2006-2013.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Eighty-four neonates were cannulated to venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after cardiac surgery. Survival to discharge was 50%. There was no difference in survival based on surgical complexity and those with single or biventricular congenital heart disease. Prematurity (≤ 36 wk gestation; odds ratio, 2.33; p = 0.01), preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation pH less than or equal to 7.17 (odds ratio, 2.01; p = 0.04), need for inotrope support during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (odds ratio, 3.99; p = 0.03), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation duration greater than 168 hours (odds ratio, 2.04; p = 0.04) were all associated with increased mortality. Although preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation lactate was not significantly different between survivors and nonsurvivors, unresolved lactic acidosis greater than or equal to 72 hours after cannulation (odds ratio, 2.77; p = 0.002) was associated with increased mortality. Finally, many patients (n = 70; 83%) were noted to have residual lesions after cardiac surgery, and time to diagnosis or correction of residual lesions was significantly shorter in survivors (1 vs 2 d; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that clearance of lactate is an important therapeutic target for patients cannulated to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. In addition, timely identification of residual lesions and expedient interventions on those lesions may improve survival.

Predictors of mortality in pediatric patients on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

OBJECTIVES

Currently, there are no established echocardiographic or hemodynamic predictors of mortality after weaning venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in children. We wished to determine which measurements predict mortality.

DESIGN

Over 3 years, we prospectively assessed six echo and six hemodynamic variables at 3-5 circuit rates while weaning extracorporeal membrane oxygenation flow. Hemodynamic measurements were heart rate, inotropic score, arteriovenous oxygen difference, pulse pressure, oxygenation index, and lactate. Echo variables included shortening/ejection fraction, outflow tract Doppler-derived stroke distance (velocity-time integral), degree of atrioventricular valve regurgitation, longitudinal strain (global longitudinal strain), and circumferential strain (global circumferential strain).

SETTING

Cardiovascular ICU at Lucille Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, CA.

SUBJECTS

Patients were stratified into those who died or required heart transplant (Gr1) and those who did not (Gr2). For each patient, we compared the change for each variable between full versus minimum extracorporeal membrane oxygenation flow for each group.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

We enrolled 21 patients ranging in age from 0.02 to 15 years. Five had dilated cardiomyopathy, and 16 had structural heart disease with severe ventricular dysfunction. Thirteen of 21 patients (62%) comprised Gr1, including two patients with heart transplants. Eight patients constituted Gr2. Gr1 patients had a significantly greater increase in oxygenation index (35% mean increase; p < 0.01) off extracorporeal membrane oxygenation compared to full flow, but no change in velocity-time integral or arteriovenous oxygen difference. In Gr2, velocity-time integral increased (31% mean increase; p < 0.01), with no change in arteriovenous oxygen difference or oxygenation index. Pulse pressure increased modestly with flow reduction only in Gr1 (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Failure to augment velocity-time integral or an increase in oxygenation index during the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation weaning is associated with poor outcomes in children. We propose that these measurements should be performed during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation wean, as they may discriminate who will require alternative methods of circulatory support for survival.

Outcomes following extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in children with cardiac disease

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a commonly used form of mechanical circulatory support in children with congenital or acquired heart disease and cardiac failure refractory to conventional medical therapies. In children with heart disease who suffer cardiac arrest, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been successfully used to provide cardiopulmonary support when conventional resuscitation has failed to establish return of spontaneous circulation. Survival to hospital discharge for children with heart disease support is approximately 40% but varies widely based on age, indication for support, and underlying cardiac disease. Although extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is lifesaving in many instances, it is associated with many complications and is expensive. Thus, a clear understanding of survival to discharge and long-term functional and neurologic outcomes are essential to guide the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation now and in the future. This review, part of the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society/Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Joint Statement on Mechanical Circulatory Support, summarizes current knowledge on short- and long-term outcomes for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation used to support children with cardiac disease.

Pediatric outcomes after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiac disease and for cardiac arrest: a review

We reviewed reported survival and neurological outcomes, and predictors of these outcomes for pediatric cardiac extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). We searched PubMed from 2000 to April 2011. Cumulative survival after cardiac ECMO in children was 788/1755 (45%); renal dysfunction, dialysis, neurologic complication, lactate, and ECMO duration consistently predicted this outcome, whereas single ventricle and ECPR did not. Neurological outcomes after cardiac ECMO were based on poorly described telephone questions in two studies for 47 patients with 51% significantly impaired and detailed follow-up testing for 42 patients in three studies with mental delay in 38% and mental score >85 (average or above) in 33%. Cumulative survival after ECPR in children was 371/762 (49%); noncardiac disease, renal dysfunction, neurologic complication, and pH on extracorporeal life support consistently predicted this outcome, whereas duration of CPR did not. Neurological outcomes after ECPR were based predominantly on the pediatric cerebral performance category (PCPC) score by chart review, with 161/181 (79%) having PCPC <2. No study reported detailed follow-up testing for survivors of ECPR. Survival outcomes of most cardiac subgroups were similar, except for concerning mortality in cavopulmonary connection patients. Priority areas for study include identification of potentially modifiable predictors of long-term outcomes.

Impact of a unique international conference on pediatric mechanical circulatory support and pediatric cardiopulmonary perfusion research

There is no question that the International Conference on Pediatric Mechanical Circulatory Support Systems and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Perfusion is a unique event that has had a significant impact on the treatment of neonatal, infantile, and pediatric cardiopulmonary patients around the globe since 2005. This annual event will continue as long as there is a need to fill the gap for underserved patient population. It will also continue to recognize promising young investigators based on their full manuscripts for young investigator awards.

Artificial organs 2010: a year in review

In this Editor's Review, articles published in 2010 are organized by category and briefly summarized. As the official journal of The International Federation for Artificial Organs, The International Faculty for Artificial Organs, and the International Society for Rotary Blood Pumps, Artificial Organs continues in the original mission of its founders "to foster communications in the field of artificial organs on an international level."Artificial Organs continues to publish developments and clinical applications of artificial organ technologies in this broad and expanding field of organ Replacement, Recovery, and Regeneration from all over the world. We take this time also to express our gratitude to our authors for offering their work to this journal. We offer our very special thanks to our reviewers who give so generously of time and expertise to review, critique, and especially provide such meaningful suggestions to the author's work whether eventually accepted or rejected and especially to those whose native tongue is not English. Without these excellent and dedicated reviewers the quality expected from such a journal could not be possible. We also express our special thanks to our Publisher, Wiley-Blackwell, for their expert attention and support in the production and marketing of Artificial Organs. In this Editor's Review, that historically has been widely received by our readership, we aim to provide a brief reflection of the currently available worldwide knowledge that is intended to advance and better human life while providing insight for continued application of technologies and methods of organ Replacement, Recovery, and Regeneration. We look forward to recording further advances in the coming years.