Acquired infection during neonatal and pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Association Between Antibiotic Duration and Recurrence of Urinary Tract Infection in the Neonatal Critical Care Unit

OBJECTIVES

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common bacterial infection in infants. Current practice guidelines suggest a treatment duration of 7 to 14 days. Suboptimal therapy may increase the risk for recurrent UTIs leading to renal scarring and possibly chronic kidney disease. The primary objective is to evaluate the duration of therapy for UTIs and its association with the incidence of recurrent UTIs in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The secondary objectives are to identify the risk factors and the most common organisms for recurrent UTIs.

METHODS

Patients were identified via the diagnosis codes for UTIs and were included if admitted to the NICU and if they received antibiotics prior to hospital discharge. Patients were divided into 2 groups: antibiotic treatment for 7 days or fewer and antibiotic treatment for greater than 7 days.

RESULTS

Eighty-six infants were included in the study. Twenty-six patients received antibiotics for 7 days or fewer, and 60 for more than 7 days. In the study, the median birth weight was 977 g and the median gestational age was 27.6 weeks. There was no significant difference in the rate of recurrent UTIs between the 2 groups (p = 0.66). However, in the subgroup analysis, the incidence was higher for patients receiving antibiotic therapy for fewer than 7 days versus 7 days (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

There was no difference in recurrence of UTI between treatment groups (≤7 days versus >7 days), and recurrence was seen in a higher percentage of patients with a urinary tract anomaly.

Metagenomic Next-generation Sequencing for Pathogen Identification in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid From Neonates Receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

BACKGROUND

Neonates on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are at high risk of infection. Rapid and accurate identification of pathogens is essential to improve the prognosis of children on ECMO. Metagenome next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has been used in recent years to detect pathogenic bacteria, but evidence for its use in neonates on ECMO is lacking.

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted using an electronic medical record system. We analyzed the results of mNGS and conventional microbiological tests (CMTs) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of neonates receiving ECMO support with pulmonary infections in our hospital from July 2021 to January 2023.

RESULTS

We screened 18 ECMO-supported neonates with pneumonia for inclusion in the study. The median age of the included children was 2 (1-4) days, the median gestational age was 38.3 (33-40 +4 ) weeks, and the median weight was 3.3 (2.2-4.8) kg. The detection rate of mNGS was 77.8% (14/18), higher than the 44.4% (8/18) of CMT ( P = 0.04). A total of 20 pathogens were detected in mNGS, with the top 3 most common pathogens being Klebsiella pneumoniae , Acinetobacter baumannii and Escherichia coli . Mixed infections were found in 14 cases (77.8%), including 13 cases (72.2%) with mixed infections detected by mNGS and 7 cases (27.8%) with mixed infections detected by CMT. A total of 9 children underwent treatment changes based on mNGS results and all of them experienced relief of symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Compared with CMT, mNGS can detect pathogens earlier and more sensitively, and may play an important role in ECMO-supported neonatal pneumonia pathogen detection and optimization of antibiotic therapy.

Analysis of 24-hour Death Risk Factors in Circulatory Failure Patients Treated with Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

OBJECTIVE

To explore the factors affecting short-term prognosis of circulatory failure patients undergoing venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) treatment.

METHODS

A total of 136 patients undergoing VA-ECMO were enrolled in this study and subsequently divided into the death group (n=35) and the survival group (n=101) based on whether death occurred during hospitalisation. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) running time, length of intensive care unit stay, length of hospital stay, costs, and ECMO complications were then compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The average age of all patients undergoing ECMO was 47.64±16.78 years (53.2±16.20 years in the death group and 45.713±16.62 years in the survival group) (P=0.022). Patients in the survival group exhibited a clear downward trend in lactic acid value following ECMO treatment compared to those in the death group. Total hospitalisation stay was longer in the survival group (35 days) than in the death group (15.5 days) (P<0.001). In the analysis of ECMO complications, the incidence of neurological complications, renal failure, limb complications, and infection were higher in the death group than in the survival group (P<0.05 for all). Specifically, as a risk factor for patient survival and discharge, the occurrence of infection will lead to increased hospitalisation stays and costs (P<0.05 for both).

CONCLUSION

Complications such as kidney failure and infection are associated with in-hospital death, and ECMO-related complications should be actively prevented to improve the survival rate of VA-ECMO treatment.

Pharmacokinetics of Commonly Used Antimicrobials in Critically Ill Pediatric Patients During Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

Adequate dosing of antimicrobials is critical to properly treat infections and limit development of resistance and adverse effects. Limited guidance exist for antimicrobial dosing adjustments in patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy, particularly in the pediatric population. A systematic review was conducted to delineate the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of antimicrobials in critically ill neonates and children requiring ECMO therapy.

METHODS

Medline, EMBASE, Global Health and All EBM Reviews databases were queried. Grey literature was examined. All clinical studies reporting PK/PD parameters of antimicrobials in critically ill pediatric patients treated with ECMO were included, except for case reports and congress abstracts. Two independent reviewers applied the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Reviewers were then paired to independently extract data and evaluate the methodological quality of studies using the ROBINS-I tool and the compliance with ClinPK reporting guidelines. Patient and study characteristics, key PK/PD findings, details of ECMO circuits and co-treatments were summarized qualitatively. Broad dosing recommendations were formulated based on the available data for specific antimicrobials.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine clinical studies were included; most were observational and uncontrolled. Patient characteristics and co-treatments were often missing. The effect of ECMO on PK/PD parameters of antimicrobials varied depending on the drugs and population studied. It was only possible to formulate dosing recommendations for a few antimicrobials given the paucity of data, its overall low quality and heterogeneity in reporting.

CONCLUSION

Limited data exists on the PK/PD of antimicrobials during ECMO therapy in the pediatric population. Rigorously designed population PK studies are required to establish empiric dosing guidelines for antimicrobials in patients requiring this therapeutic modality. The use of therapeutic drug monitoring for antimicrobials in pediatric patients on ECMO should be encouraged to optimize dosing.

TRIAL REGISTRY

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42018099992 (Registered: July 24th 2018).

Pediatric venoarterial and venovenous ECMO

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an invaluable resource in the treatment of critically ill children with cardiopulmonary failure.  To date, over 36,000 children have been placed on ECMO and the utilization of this life saving treatment continues to expand with advances in ECMO technology.  This article offers a review of pediatric ECMO including modes and sites of ECMO cannulation, indications and contraindications, and cannulation techniques.  Furthermore, it summarizes the basic principles of pediatric ECMO including circuit maintenance, nutritional support, and clinical decision making regarding weaning pediatric ECMO and decannulation.  Finally, it gives an overview of common pediatric ECMO complications including overall mortality and long-term outcomes of ECMO survivors. The goal of this article is to provide a comprehensive review for healthcare professionals providing care for pediatric ECMO patients.

Surgical experience of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for neonates with severe respiratory failure

OBJECTIVE

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been increasingly used for severe neonatal respiratory failure refractory to conventional treatments. This paper summarizes our operation experience of neonatal ECMO via cannulation of the internal jugular vein and carotid artery.

METHODS

The clinical data of 12 neonates with severe respiratory failure who underwent ECMO via the internal jugular vein and carotid artery in our hospital from January 2021 to October 2022 were collected.

RESULTS

All neonates were successfully operated on. The size of arterial intubation was 8 F, and the size of venous intubation was 10 F. The operation time was 29 (22-40) minutes. ECMO was successfully removed in 8 neonates. Surgeons successfully reconstructed the internal jugular vein and carotid artery of these neonates. Arterial blood flow was unobstructed in 5 patients, mild stenosis was present in 2 patients, and moderate stenosis was present in 1 patient. Venous blood flow was unobstructed in 6 patients, mild stenosis was present in 1 patient, and moderate stenosis was present in 1 patient. The complications were as follows: 1 case had poor neck incision healing after ECMO removal. No complications, such as incisional bleeding, incisional infection, catheter-related blood infection, cannulation accidentally pulling away, vascular laceration, thrombosis, cerebral haemorrhage, cerebral infarction, or haemolysis, occurred in any of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Cannulation of the internal jugular vein and carotid artery can quickly establish effective ECMO access for neonates with severe respiratory failure. Careful, skilled and delicate operation was essential. In addition, during the cannulation process, we should pay special attention to the position of cannulation, firm fixation and strict aseptic operation.

First nosocomial infections in children supported by veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO)

BACKGROUND

Veno-arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is a standard procedure for patient with refractory shock in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). There is a paucity of data on the time relationship between VA-ECMO support, nosocomial infection occurrence, and PICU length of stay (LOS). The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics and impact of ECMO-related infections.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study from 01/2008 to 12/2014, enrolling children with a VA-ECMO support for > 6 h. We recorded the first PICU infection during the VA-ECMO run, defined as a positive microbiological sample with clinical signs of infection or clinical signs of severe infection without positive sample.

RESULTS

During the study period, 41 patients (25/41 male) were included, with a median age of 41.2 months (IQR 12.9-89.9) and a 53% mortality rate. Median time on VA-ECMO was 4.2 d (IQR 2-7.1), median PICU LOS was 14.7 d (IQR 4,7-26,9). Overall, 34% patients developed an infection, with an incidence of 60/1000 VA-ECMO days. Median time to first infection was 4 d (IQR 3-5), with Pseudomonas spp. being the most commonly detected microorganism (42%). Infected sites were ventilator-associated pneumonia (9/14), sternotomy infection (2/14), bloodstream (2/14) and urinary tract infections (1/14). Longer VA-ECMO support (> 5 d) (OR 5.9 (CI 95% 1.4-24.6; p = 0.01) and longer PICU stay (> 14 d) (OR 12 (95% CI 2.2-65.5; p = 0.004) were associated with infection.

CONCLUSION

In this single-center study, we underlined the high proportion and early occurrence of infections in patient on VA-ECMO, mostly in the first week. As infection was an early event, it may prolong the duration of VA-ECMO support and PICU LOS. Further research is needed to better understand the impact of infections on VA-ECMO and develop prevention strategies.

Mortality prediction in pediatric postcardiotomy veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A comparison of scoring systems

Background

Pediatric postcardiotomy veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) patients have high mortality and morbidity. There are currently three scoring systems available to predict mortality: the Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Prediction (PEP) model, Precannulation Pediatric Survival After VA-ECMO (Pedi-SAVE) score, and Postcannulation Pedi-SAVE score. These methods provide risk stratification scores for pediatric patients requiring ECMO for cardiac support. However, comparative validation of these scoring systems remains scarce. We aim to assess the ability of these models to predict outcomes in a cohort of pediatric patients undergoing VA-ECMO after cardiac surgery, and identify predictors of in-hospital mortality.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 101 children admitted to Fuwai Hospital who received VA-ECMO from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2020 was performed. Patients were divided into two groups, survivors (n = 49) and non-survivors (n = 52) according to in-hospital mortality. PEP model and Pedi-SAVE scores were calculated. The primary outcomes were the risk factors of in-hospital mortality, and the ability of the PEP model, Precannulation Pedi-SAVE and Postcannulation Pedi-SAVE scores to predict in-hospital mortality.

Results

Postcannulation Pedi-SAVE score accessing the entire ECMO process had the greatest area under receiver operator curve (AUROC), 0.816 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.733–0.899]. Pre-ECMO PEP model could predict in-hospital mortality [AUROC = 0.691 (95% CI: 0.565–0.817)], and Precannulation Pedi-SAVE score had the poorest prediction [AUROC = 0.582(95% CI: 0.471–0.694)]. Lactate value at ECMO implantation [OR = 1.199 (1.064–1.351), P = 0.003] and infectious complications [OR = 5.169 (1.652–16.172), P = 0.005] were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality.

Conclusion

Pediatric cardiac ECMO scoring systems, including multiple risk factors before and during ECMO, were found to be useful in this cohort. Both the pre-ECMO PEP model and the Postcannulation Pedi-SAVE score were found to have high predictive value for in-hospital mortality in pediatric postcardiotomy VA-ECMO.

Comparison of the Efficacy of ECMO With or Without IABP in Patients With Cardiogenic Shock: A Meta-Analysis

Objective

Studies on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) with and without an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) for cardiogenic shock (CS) have been published, but there have been no meta-analyses that compare the efficacy of these two cardiac support methods. This meta-analysis evaluated the outcomes of these two different treatment measures.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Clinical Trials databases were searched until March 2022. Studies that were related to ECMO with or without IABP in patients with CS were screened. Quality assessments were evaluated with the methodological index for nonrandomized studies (MINORS). The primary outcome was in-hospital survival, while the secondary outcomes included duration of ECMO, duration of ICU stay, infection/sepsis, and bleeding. Revman 5.3 and STATA software were used for this meta-analysis.

Results

In total, nine manuscripts with 2,573 patients were included in the systematic review. CS patients who received ECMO in combination with IABP had significantly improved in-hospital survival compared with ECMO alone (OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.26–1.98, P < 0.0001). However, there were no significant differences in the duration of ECMO (MD = 0.36, 95% CI = −0.12–0.84, P = 0.14), duration of ICU stay (MD = −1.95, 95% CI = −4.05–0.15, P = 0.07), incidence of infection/sepsis (OR = 1.0, 95% CI = 0.58–1.72, P = 1.0), or bleeding (OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 0.48–3.45, P = 0.62) between the two groups of patients with CS.

Conclusion

ECMO combined with IABP can improve in-hospital survival more effectively than ECMO alone in patients with CS.

Risk factors for venoarterial-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation related nosocomial infection in children after cardiac surgery

OBJECTIVES

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an extracorporeal life support strategy for the treatment of critically ill children with reversible heart and lung failure, increasingly being used in patients with low cardiac output after cardiac surgery. However, the mortality of patients is closely related to the complications of ECMO, especially bleeding, thrombosis, and infection, ECMO-related nosocomial infection has become a challenge to the success of ECMO. This study aims to analyze the incidence and risk factors for venoarterial-ECMO (VA-ECMO)-related nosocomial infections in children after cardiac surgery.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected the data of patients who underwent VA-ECMO treatment after pediatric cardiac surgery in the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from July 2015 to March 2021, and divided them into an infected group and a non-infected group. The clinical characteristics of the 2 groups of patients, VA-ECMO-related nosocomial infection factors, pathogenic microorganisms, and patient mortality were compared. Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for nosocomial infection related to VA-ECMO after cardiac surgery.

RESULTS

Of the 38 pediatric patients, 18 patients (47.37%) had VA-ECMO related nosocomial infection, served as the infected group, including 7 patients with blood infections and 11 respiratory tract infections. Gram-negative pathogens (16 strains, 88.9%) were the main bacteria, such as Acinetobacter baumannii (6 strains), Klebsiella pneumoniae (3 strains), and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (3 strains). Compared with the non-infected group (n=20), the infection group had longer time of cardiopulmonary bypass, time of myocardial block, and time of VA-ECMO assistance (All P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that time of cardiopulmonary bypass (OR=1.012, 95% CI 1.002 to 1.022; P=0.021) was an independent risk factor for ECMO-related nosocomial infection. The number of surviving discharges in the infected group was less than that in the non-infected group (1 vs 11, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiopulmonary bypass time is an independent risk factor for VA-ECMO-related nosocomial infection in children after cardiac surgery. Shortening the duration of extracorporeal circulation may reduce the incidence of VA-EMCO-related nosocomial infections in children after cardic surgery. The occurrence of VA-ECMO-related nosocomial infections affects the number of patient's discharge alive.

Cell Saver Blood Reinfusion Up to 24 Hours Post Collection in Pediatric Cardiac Surgical Patients Does Not Increase Incidence of Hospital-Acquired Infections or Mortality

Cell saver blood reinfusion, a blood conservation technique recently available for pediatric use, is typically limited to 6 hours post processing to guard against bacterial contamination. We hypothesize that reinfusion of cell saver blood up to 24 hours post collection in children after cardiac surgery will not increase the incidence of hospital-acquired infections (HAI). The primary aim is to compare incidence of HAI between children receiving cell saver blood ≤6 hours vs. >6 to ≤24 hours from its collection. The secondary aim is to compare mortality and clinical outcomes. Retrospective chart review of children ≤18 years undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) from 2013 to 2018 when cell saver collection and bedside temperature controlled storage became standard of care. Patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) within 48 hours postoperatively and those who did not receive cell saver were excluded. The primary outcome was HAI incidence postoperative days 0-6. Demographic data included diagnosis, surgical severity score, and clinical outcomes. 466 patients, 45% female. No significant between-group differences identified. There was no significant difference in HAI (control 8.5% vs. treatment 8.0%, p = .80) and death (control 7.9% vs. treatment 4.9%, p = .20). Noninferiority testing indicated the treatment group was not statistically inferior to the control group (p = .0028). Kaplan-Meier curve depicted similar status between-group rates of no infection or death; 92% treatment vs. 91% control. Total volume allogeneic red blood cell transfusion (allogeneic blood transfusion [ABT]) up to 24 hours postoperatively was significantly less in the treatment group, p < .0001. Incidence of HAI or mortality was not increased in patients receiving cell saver blood reinfusion >6 to ≤24 hours post collection. Treatment subjects received significantly less volume of ABT. Considering the risks of ABT, these findings support cell saver blood reinfusion up to 24 hours post collection.

Support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for over 1 year duration as a bridge to cardiac transplantation: a case report and review of the literature

We present the case of a 13-year-old male with a complex congenital cardiac history who was supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for 394 days while awaiting cardiac transplantation. The patient underwent successful cardiac transplantation after 394 days of support with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and is currently alive 2 years after cardiac transplantation. We believe that this case represents the longest period of time that a patient has been supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to cardiac transplantation.We also review the literature associated with prolonged support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. This case report documents many of the challenges associated with prolonged support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, including polymicrobial bacterial and fungal infections, as well as renal dysfunction. It is possible to successfully bridge a patient to cardiac transplantation with prolonged support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation of over 1 year; however, multidisciplinary collaboration is critical.

Microbiological Spectrum of Nosocomial ECMO Infections in a Tertiary Care Center

INTRODUCTION

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-saving treatment in cardiogenic and respiratory shock. It is prone to various complications, infection being among the most frequent. This study aims to define the prevalence and characteristics of infections in ECMO patients in a tertiary care center for cardiac diseases.

METHODS

All ECMO patients between 2012 and 2016 in a single cardiac center were retrospectively included. Demographic data, ECMO indications, type, site, duration, and infection-related data were recorded. Data were analyzed among all patients and separately between pediatric and adult patient groups.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-six patients, 66 (53.4%) pediatric and 60 (47.6%) adult, received ECMO within the study period. Mean age was 3.54±4.27 years in the pediatric group and 54.92±15.57 years in the adult group. The main indication for ECMO was postcardiotomy shock (77.8%). Forty-six (36.5%) of all cases developed a culture-proven nosocomial infection with a rate of 49/1000 ECMO days. Infection was associated with > 5 days of ECMO duration and hemodialysis requirement in all patients and lower age in the pediatric group. The most frequent infection site was the lower respiratory tract (14.3%), while the most common isolated organisms were Klebsiella (8.7%) and Streptococcus (4.8%) species.

CONCLUSION

The respiratory tract is the most common site of infection, however, all sites impose a threat to recovery, with longer treatment durations required for patients with culture-proven infections. A better understanding of the infectious spectrum and its effect on the mortality and morbidity is required for more successful treatment of ECMO patients.

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: Special reference for use in 'post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock' - A review with an Indian perspective

The ultimate goals of cardiovascular physiology are to ensure adequate end-organ perfusion to satisfy the local metabolic demand, to maintain homeostasis and achieve 'milieu intérieur'. Cardiogenic shock is a state of pump failure which results in tissue hypoperfusion and its associated complications. There are a wide variety of causes which lead to this deranged physiology, and one such important and common scenario is the post-cardiotomy state which is encountered in cardiac surgical units. Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is an important modality of managing post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock with variable outcomes which would otherwise be universally fatal. VA-ECMO is considered as a double-edged sword with the advantages of luxurious perfusion while providing an avenue for the failing heart to recover, but with the problems of anticoagulation, inflammatory and adverse systemic effects. Optimal outcomes after VA-ECMO are heavily reliant on a multitude of factors and require a multi-disciplinary team to handle them. This article aims to provide an insight into the pathophysiology of VA-ECMO, cannulation techniques, commonly encountered problems, monitoring, weaning strategies and ethical considerations along with a literature review of current evidence-based practices.

Invasive Candida Infections in Neonates after Major Surgery: Current Evidence and New Directions

Infections represent a serious health problem in neonates. Invasive Candida infections (ICIs) are still a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Infants hospitalized in NICUs are at high risk of ICIs, because of several risk factors: broad spectrum antibiotic treatments, central catheters and other invasive devices, fungal colonization, and impaired immune responses. In this review we summarize 19 published studies which provide the prevalence of previous surgery in neonates with invasive Candida infections. We also provide an overview of risk factors for ICIs after major surgery, fungal colonization, and innate defense mechanisms against fungi, as well as the roles of different Candida spp., the epidemiology and costs of ICIs, diagnosis of ICIs, and antifungal prophylaxis and treatment.

Hospital-Acquired Infection in Pediatric Subjects With Congenital Heart Disease Postcardiotomy Supported on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

OBJECTIVE

To determine prevalence of and risk factors for infection in pediatric subjects with congenital heart disease status postcardiotomy supported on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, as well as outcomes of these subjects.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization.

SETTING

U.S. and international medical centers providing care to children with congenital heart disease status postcardiotomy.

PATIENTS

Critically ill pediatric subjects less than 8 years old admitted to medical centers between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2015, who underwent cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease and required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support within the first 14 postoperative days. Subjects were excluded if they underwent orthotopic heart transplantation, required preoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and had more than one postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation run.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A total of 1,314 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation subject encounters in the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry met inclusion criteria. Neonates comprised 53% (n = 696) of the cohort, whereas infants made up 33% (n = 435). Of the 994 subjects with Society of Thoracic Surgeons-European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery categorizable surgery, 33% (n = 325) were in Society of Thoracic Surgeons-European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery category 4 and 23% (n = 231) in Society of Thoracic Surgeons-European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery category 5. While on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, 229 subjects (17%) acquired one or more extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-related infections, which represents an occurrence rate of 67 infections per 1,000 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation days. Gram-negative (62%) and Gram-positive (42%) infections occurred most commonly. Forty percent had positive blood cultures. Infants and children were at higher infection risk compared with neonatal subjects; subjects undergoing less complex surgery had higher infection rates. Unadjusted survival to hospital discharge was lower in infected subjects compared with noninfected subjects (43% vs 51%; p = 0.01). After adjusting for confounders via propensity matching, we identified no significant mortality difference between infected and noninfected subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Neonatal and pediatric subjects in this study have a high rate of acquired infection. Infants and children were at higher infection risk compared with neonatal subjects. There was not, however, a significant association between extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-related infection and survival to hospital discharge after propensity matching.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Hemodynamic Support

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was first successfully achieved in 1975 in a neonate with meconium aspiration. Neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has expanded to include hemodynamic support in cardiovascular collapse before and after cardiac surgery, medical heart disease, and rescue therapy for cardiac arrest. Advances in pump technology, circuit biocompatibility, and oxygenators efficiency have allowed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to support neonates with increasingly complex pathophysiology. Contraindications include extreme prematurity, extremely low birth weight, lethal chromosomal abnormalities, uncontrollable hemorrhage, uncontrollable disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, and severe irreversible brain injury. The future will involve collaboration to guide and evolve evidence-based practices for this life-sustaining therapy.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Group B Streptococcal Sepsis in Neonates: A Retrospective Study of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry

OBJECTIVES

Neonatal group B streptococcal sepsis remains a leading cause of neonatal sepsis globally and is characterized by unique epidemiologic features. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been recommended for neonatal septic shock refractory to conventional management, but data on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in group B streptococcal sepsis are scarce. We aimed to assess outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in neonates with group B streptococcal sepsis.

DESIGN

Retrospective study of the international registry of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization.

SETTING

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation centers contributing to Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry.

PATIENTS

Patients less than or equal to 30 days treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and a diagnostic code of group B streptococcal sepsis between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2016.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

In-hospital mortality was the primary outcome. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models to predict mortality were established. One hundred ninety-two runs in 191 neonates were identified meeting eligibility criteria, of which 55 of 191 (29%) died. One hundred thirty-seven (71%) were treated with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. One hundred sixty-nine runs (88%) occurred during the first week of life for early-onset sepsis and 23 (12%) after 7 days of life. The in-hospital mortality for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation used after 7 days of life was significantly higher compared with early-onset sepsis (65% vs 24%; p < 0.01). In addition, lower weight, lower pH, lower bicarbonate, and surfactant administration precannulation were significantly associated with mortality (p < 0.05). Adjusted analyses confirmed that age greater than 7 days, lower weight, and lower pH were associated with higher mortality (p < 0.05). One hundred fifty-one of 192 runs (79%) experienced a major complication. The number of major complications during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was associated significantly with mortality (p < 0.001; adjusted odds ratio, 1.27 [1.08-1.49; p = 0.004]).

CONCLUSIONS

This large registry-based study indicates that treatment with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for neonatal group B streptococcal sepsis is associated with survival in the majority of patients. Future quality improvement interventions should aim to reduce the burden of major extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-associated complications which affected four out of five neonatal group B streptococcal sepsis extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients.

Infection profile in neonatal patients during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

OBJECTIVES

To describe risk factors for acquired infection during neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and to examine the predictive value of inflammatory markers in the diagnosis of infection.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted with data for patients under 30 days supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation from 2003 to April 2016, in a neonatal intensive care unit.

RESULTS

Our study included 160 neonatal patients, the average age of connection was 8.5 days and the duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support was 9.7 days. The incidence of confirmed infection was 23%. Patients with confirmed infection present more frequently: vaginal delivery, lower birth weight, female sex, diagnosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and longer duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. When comparing the group of patients with confirmed infection and suspicion of infection, there were no significant differences in the inflammatory markers. When calculating the slope for each one, the difference in white blood cell count slope 72 h before the infection is significant; in patients with confirmed infection, the count of white blood cell increases (slope: 0.25), versus the group of patients with suspected infection in whom the count decreases (slope: -0.39). No differences were found in other variables.

CONCLUSION

Our study describes that the factors that increase the risk of infection are lower birth weight, vaginal birth, duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and a positive trend of white blood cell 72 h prior to infection/suspicion. Further studies are necessary to include or definitively rule out the use of these factors and the biomarkers as predictors of infection in neonatal patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Nosocomial Infections During Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Neonatal, Pediatric, and Adult Patients: A Comprehensive Narrative Review

OBJECTIVES

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is increasingly used in critically ill patients with refractory cardiopulmonary failure. Nosocomial infection acquired during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation represents one of the most frequent complications but the available evidence on the risk of infection and its association with outcomes has not been comprehensively analyzed. We performed a narrative review examining the epidemiology of nosocomial infection during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, association with clinical outcomes, and preventive strategies.

DATA SOURCES

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library between 1972 and June 2018.

STUDY SELECTION

We included any article which detailed nosocomial infection during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Articles were excluded if they were not written in English, detailed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use for infections acquired prior to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or used other forms of extracorporeal support such as ventricular assist devices.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two reviewers independently assessed eligibility and extracted data. We screened 984 abstracts and included 59 articles in the final review.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The reported risk of nosocomial infection among patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation ranged from 3.5% to 64% per extracorporeal membrane oxygenation run, while the incidence of infection ranged from 10.1 to 116.2/1,000 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation days. Nosocomial infections during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were consistently associated with longer duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and, in several large multicenter studies, with increased mortality. Risk factors for nosocomial infection included duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, mechanical and hemorrhagic complications on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and use of venoarterial and central extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Biomarkers had low specificity for infection in this population. Few studies examined strategies on how to prevent nosocomial infection on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

CONCLUSIONS

Nosocomial infections in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients are common and associated with worse outcomes. There is substantial variation in the rates of reported infection, and thus, it is possible that some may be preventable. The evidence for current diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic strategies for infection during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is limited and requires further investigation.

ECMO for Neonatal Sepsis in 2019

Sepsis and septic shock in newborns causes mortality and morbidity depending on the organism and primary site. ECMO provides cardiorespiratory support to allow adequate organ perfusion during the time for antibiotics and source control surgery (if needed) to occur. ECMO mode and cannulation site vary depending on support required and local preference. Earlier and more aggressive use of ECMO can improve survival.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and bloodstream infection in congenital diaphragmatic hernia

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the risk of bloodstream (BSI) and urinary tract infection (UTI) and describe antibiotic use in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

STUDY DESIGN

The Children's Hospitals Neonatal Database was queried for infants with CDH and ECMO treatment from 2010 to 2016. The outcomes included BSI, UTI, and antimicrobial medication. Member institutions completed a survey on infection practices.

RESULT

Eighteen of the 338 patients identified (5.3%) had ≥1 BSI during their ECMO course. The likelihood of BSI increased with time: 1.2/1000 ECMO days; 0.6% (2/315) in the first week and rising to 14.6/1000; 8.6% (5/58) after 21 days (p = 0.002). More than 95% of patients received antibiotics each week on ECMO.

CONCLUSIONS

Confirmed BSI is rare in infants with CDH treated with ECMO in the first week, but increases with the duration of ECMO. Use of antibiotics was extensive and did not correspond to infection frequency.