Improving Long-Term Outcomes After Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: From Observational Follow-Up Programs Toward Risk Stratification

Long-term outcomes and quality of life in congenital diaphragmatic hernia survivors treated with extracorporeal life support: A cross-sectional survey

AIM

Few reports have shown Quality-of-Life long-term outcomes in children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) who received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. We reviewed the short- and long-term outcomes in CDH patients that were supported with ECMO during their neonatal treatment.

METHODS

Telephone interviews of parents of CDH children were performed. The Functional Status Scale (FSS) and the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedQL, Version 4.0) were completed with the parents. All children with a CDH and supported with ECMO from 2010 to 2023 were included in the study.

RESULTS

Twenty children were identified, with two having two ECMO runs. Birth weight was 3.2 kg (median). ECMO support lasted for (median) 13.6 days (range 3.8 to 39). Twelve patients were alive at the time of the survey. The age (median) at time of the interview was 6.3 years (range 1 to 12). The FSS score showed no impairment (FSS score 6) in any domain in eight patients. Two patients had a score of 7, and two patients had a score of 8 and 9, respectively. The PedQL showed a median score 84.5, with a physical health summary score of 92.5 and a psychosocial health summary score of 78.7. The cardiac specific PedQL inventory score was 77.

CONCLUSIONS

ECMO support for CDH patients is associated with functional and Quality of Life outcomes that are similar to that in other PICU discharge populations. Denying ECMO support to CDH patients on the basis of predicted poor long-term outcomes does not appear to be justified.

Predictors of Neurologic Complications and Neurodevelopmental Outcome in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has emerged as an important intervention for children both preceding and following cardiac surgery. There is a notable lack of comprehensive information regarding neurodevelopmental outcomes. The Norwood procedure and complex biventricular repairs exhibit the highest prevalence of ECMO usage. Examination of the data demonstrates that only 50% of ECMO survivors achieved normative cognitive outcomes, with 40% of those experiencing long-term neurological deficits. It is imperative to conduct robustly designed studies with extended follow-up periods to establish guidelines for neuromonitoring and neuroprotection during ECMO in the field of congenital cardiac surgery.

Standardized therapies after ECMO program (STEP); a novel approach to pediatric post-ECMO care

BACKGROUND

The study objective was to characterize compliance with Standardized Therapy after ECMO Program (STEP), an intentional discharge pathway for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) survivors in a US pediatric hospital.

METHODS

The program identified pediatric ECMO survivors before discharge, appropriate consultations were reviewed and requested, families were educated on ECMO sequelae, and ECMO summaries were sent to pediatricians. Compliance with institutional post-ECMO guidelines was evaluated before and after STEP implementation.

RESULTS

We identified 77 ECMO survivors to hospital discharge (36 [46.8%] before and 41 [53.2%] after STEP implementation). There was a significant increase in complete (38.8% vs. 74.2%, p < 0.001) and time-appropriate neurodevelopmental testing (71.4% vs. 95.6%, p = 0.03). Significant increase in inpatient evaluations by neurology (52.7% vs. 75.6%, p = 0.03) and audiology (66.7% vs. 87.8%, p = 0.02), and in referrals for outpatient audiology (66.6 vs. 95.1%, p = 0.002), physical therapy (P.T.) (63.8% vs. 95.1%, p = 0.001), occupational therapy (O.T.) (63.8% vs. 95.1%, p = 0.001) and speech-language pathology (S.L.P.) (55.5% vs. 95.1%, p < 0.001) were noted.

CONCLUSION

Implementing an intentional discharge pathway for pediatric ECMO survivors (STEP) successfully increases inpatient and outpatient compliance with hospital and Extracorporeal life support organization (ELSO) follow-up guidelines. It leads to timely and complete neurodevelopmental evaluation.

Fifteen-minute consultation: When to consider extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a form of organ support which is used for severe, potentially reversible respiratory, cardiac or cardiorespiratory failure. While it is associated with significant risk of intracerebral injury in neonates and children, outcomes can be excellent, and timely referral is associated with improved survival and reduced morbidity. This article provides a concise summary of the technical aspects of ECMO support, indications for referral, complications, outcomes and important considerations for follow-up.

Neuromonitoring of Pediatric and Adult Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Patients: The Importance of Continuous Bedside Tools in Driving Neuroprotective Clinical Care

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a form of temporary cardiopulmonary bypass for patients with acute respiratory or cardiac failure refractory to conventional therapy. Its usage has become increasingly widespread and while reported survival after ECMO has increased in the past 25 years, the incidence of neurological injury has not declined, leading to the pressing question of how to improve time-to-detection and diagnosis of neurological injury. The neurological status of patients on ECMO is clinically difficult to evaluate due to multiple factors including illness, sedation, and pharmacological paralysis. Thus, increasing attention has been focused on developing tools and techniques to measure and monitor the brain of ECMO patients to identify dynamic risk factors and monitor patients' neurophysiological state as a function in time. Such tools may guide neuroprotective interventions and thus prevent or mitigate brain injury. Current means to continuously monitor and prevent neurological injury in ECMO patients are rather limited; most techniques provide indirect or postinsult recognition of irreversible brain injury. This review will explore the indications, advantages, and disadvantages of standard-of-care, emerging, and investigational technologies for neurological monitoring on ECMO, focusing on bedside techniques that provide continuous assessment of neurological health.

Long-term follow-up of neuropsychological complications in neonates undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been widely used in severe neonatal diseases for approximately 50 years, while few studies have concentrated on the long-term follow-up of its neuropsychological development.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the long-term neuropsychological complications in children who underwent ECMO in infancy.

METHODS

The PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases were searched for retrieving studies published in the recent 10 years (until June 10, 2022). All studies were eligible that concentrated on the long-term follow-up of neuropsychological complications in neonates undergoing ECMO. Excluding animal studies, neonates with congenital craniocerebral dysplasia and studies with data from the same center performed at different times. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 and Stata/SE 12.0 software. A random-effects model was used to report results. The sensitivity analysis was utilized to identify sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis of 10 studies that enrolled 1199 patients was conducted, showing the pooled morbidity of intelligence (pooled morbidity: 20.3%, 95% CI: 0.16-0.25, I2: 9.5%, P=0.33), motor activity (pooled morbidity: 10.3%, 95%CI: 0.07-0.14, I2: 43.5%, P=0.15), learning (pooled morbidity: 9.0%, 95%CI: -0.03-0.21, I2: 63.2%, P=0.10), hearing (pooled morbidity: 15.7%, 95%CI: 0.02-0.29, I2: 94.2%, P=0.00), vision (pooled morbidity: 18.5%, 95%CI: 0.12-0.25, I2: 0%, P=0.46), cognition (pooled morbidity: 26.3%, 95%CI: 0.19-0.34, I2: 0%, P=0.32), attention (pooled morbidity: 7.4%, 95%CI: 0.02-0.13, I2: 38.9%, P=0.20), speed in attention (pooled morbidity: 69.9%, 95%CI: 0.62-0.78), and accuracy in attention (pooled morbidity: 39.0%, 95%CI: 0.30-0.48) in neonates undergoing ECMO. The results of the Begg's test and sensitivity analysis indicated that the heterogeneity was originated from factors other than sample size.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that neonates undergoing ECMO were associated with various neuropsychological complications. Additional randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a larger sample size and a higher quality are needed.

Changes in autonomic function and cerebral and somatic oxygenation with arterial flow pulsatility for children requiring veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Background

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) carries variability in arterial flow pulsatility (AFP).

Research question

What changes in cerebral and somatic oxygenation, hemodynamics, and autonomic function are associated with AFP during VA-ECMO?

Methods

This is a prospective study of children on VA-ECMO undergoing neuromonitoring. AFP was quantified by arterial blood pressure pulse amplitude and subcategorized: no pulsatility (<1 mmHg), minimal pulsatility (1 to <5 mmHg), moderate pulsatility (5 to <15 mmHg) and high pulsatility (≥15 mmHg). CVPR was assessed using the cerebral oximetry index (COx). Cerebral and somatic oxygenation was assessed using cerebral regional oximetry (rSO2) or peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2). Autonomic function was assessed using baroreflex sensitivity (BRs), low-frequency high-frequency (LF/HF) ratio and standard deviation of heart rate R-R intervals (HRsd). Differences were assessed across AFP categories using linear mixed effects models with Tukey pairwise comparisons. Univariate logistic regression was used to explore risk of AFP with brain injuries.

Results

Among fifty-three children, comparisons of moderate to high pulsatility were associated with reductions in rSO2 (p < 0.001), SpO 2 (p = 0.005), LF/HF ratio (p = 0.028) and an increase in HRsd (p < 0.001). Reductions in BRs were observed across comparisons of none to minimal (P < 0.001) and minimal to moderate pulsatility (p = 0.004). Comparisons of no to low pulsatility were associated with reductions in BRs (p < 0.001) and ABP (p < 0.001) with increases in SpO2 (p < 0.001) and HR (p < 0.001). Arterial ischemic stroke was associated with higher pulsatility (p = 0.0384).

Conclusion

During VA-ECMO support, changes toward high AFP are associated with autonomic dysregulation and compromised cerebral and somatic tissue oxygenation.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and paediatric palliative care in an ICU

OBJECTIVES

Compare rates, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of paediatric palliative care consultation in children supported on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation admitted to a single-centre 16-bed cardiac or a 28-bed paediatric ICU.

METHODS

Retrospective review of clinical characteristics and outcomes of children (aged 0-21 years) supported on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation between January, 2017 and December, 2019 compared by palliative care consultation.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

One hundred children (N = 100) were supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; 19% received a palliative care consult. Compared to non-consulted children, consulted children had higher disease severity measured by higher complex chronic conditions at the end of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation hospitalisation (5 versus. 3; p < 0.001), longer hospital length of stay (92 days versus 19 days; p < 0.001), and higher use of life-sustaining therapies after decannulation (79% versus 23%; p < 0.001). Consultations occurred mainly for longitudinal psychosocial-spiritual support after patient survived device deployment with a median of 27 days after cannulation. Most children died in the ICU after withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies regardless of consultation status. Over two-thirds of the 44 deaths (84%; n = 37) occurred during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation hospitalisation.

CONCLUSIONS

Palliative care consultation was rare showing that palliative care consultation was not viewed as an acute need and only considered when the clinical course became protracted. As a result, there are missed opportunities to involve palliative care earlier and more frequently in the care of extracorporeal membrane survivors and non-survivors and their families.

Clinical Guidelines for Routine Neuromonitoring in Neonatal and Pediatric Patients Supported on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

DISCLAIMER

These guidelines for routine neuromonitoring in neonatal and pediatric patients supported on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are intended for educational use to build the knowledge of physicians and other health professionals in assessing the conditions and managing the treatment of patients undergoing extracorporeal life support (ECLS)/ECMO and describe what are believed to be useful and safe practice for ECLS and ECMO but these are not necessarily consensus recommendations. The aim of clinical guidelines was to help clinicians to make informed decisions about their patients. However, adherence to a guideline does not guarantee a successful outcome. Healthcare professionals must make their own treatment decisions about care on a case-by-case basis, after consultation with their patients, using their clinical judgment, knowledge, and expertise. These guidelines do not take the place of physicians' and other health professionals' judgment in diagnosing and treatment of patients. These guidelines are not intended to and should not be interpreted as setting a standard of care or being deemed inclusive of all proper methods of care nor exclusive of other methods of care directed at obtaining the same results. The ultimate judgment must be made by the physician and other health professionals and the patient considering all the circumstances presented by the individual patient, and the known variability and biologic behavior of the clinical condition. These guidelines reflect the data at the time the guidelines were prepared; the results of subsequent studies or other information may cause revisions to the recommendations in these guidelines to be prudent to reflect new data, but ELSO is under no obligation to provide updates. In no event will ELSO be liable for any decision made or action taken in reliance upon the information provided through these guidelines.

Quality improvement strategies in pediatric ECMO

Pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is an increasingly utilized, life-saving technology with high mortality and morbidity. A complex technology employed urgently or emergently for some of the sickest children in the hospital by a large multidisciplinary team, ECMO is an ideal area for using quality improvement strategies to reduce the variability in care and improve patient outcomes. We review critical concepts from quality improvement and apply them to patient selection and management, staffing, credentialing and continuing education, and the variability of management among providers and institutions.

Early Changes in Arterial Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide and Blood Pressure After Starting Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Children: Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Database Study of Neurologic Complications

OBJECTIVE

Neurologic complications in pediatric patients supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are common and lead to morbidity and mortality; however, few modifiable factors are known.

DESIGN

Retrospective study of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry (2010-2019).

SETTING

Multicenter international database.

PATIENTS

Pediatric patients receiving ECMO (2010-2019) for all indications and any mode of support.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

We investigated if early relative change in Pa co2 or mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) soon after starting ECMO was associated with neurologic complications. The primary outcome of neurologic complications was defined as a report of seizures, central nervous system infarction or hemorrhage, or brain death. All-cause mortality (including brain death) was used as a secondary outcome.Out of 7,270 patients, 15.6% had neurologic complications. Neurologic complications increased when the relative Pa co2 decreased by greater than 50% (18.4%) or 30-50% (16.5%) versus those who had a minimal change (13.9%, p < 0.01 and p = 0.046). When the relative MAP increased greater than 50%, the rate of neurologic complications was 16.9% versus 13.1% those with minimal change ( p = 0.007). In a multivariable model adjusting for confounders, a relative decrease in Pa co2 greater than 30% was independently associated with greater odds of neurologic complication (odds ratio [OR], 1.25; 95% CI, 1.07-1.46; p = 0.005). Within this group, with a relative decrease in Pa co2 greater than 30%, the effects of increased relative MAP increased neurologic complications (0.05% per BP Percentile; 95% CI, 0.001-0.11; p = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In pediatric patients, a large decrease in Pa co2 and increase in MAP following ECMO initiation are both associated with neurologic complications. Future research focusing on managing these issues carefully soon after ECMO deployment can potentially help to reduce neurologic complications.

Association Between Disrupted Cerebral Autoregulation and Radiographic Neurologic Injury for Children on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Prospective Pilot Study

Validation of a real-time monitoring device to evaluate the risk or occurrence of neurologic injury while on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may aid clinicians in prevention and treatment. Therefore, we performed a pilot prospective cohort study of children under 18 years old on ECMO to analyze the association between cerebral blood pressure autoregulation as measured by diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) and radiographic neurologic injury. DCS measurements of regional cerebral blood flow were collected on enrolled patients and correlated with mean arterial blood pressure to determine the cerebral autoregulation metric termed DCSx. The primary outcome of interest was radiographic neurologic injury on eligible computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scored by a blinded pediatric neuroradiologist utilizing a previously validated scale. Higher DCSx scores, which indicate disruption of cerebral autoregulation, were associated with higher radiographic neurologic injury score (slope, 11.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29-22). Patients with clinically significant neurologic injury scores of 10 or more had higher median DCSx measures than patients with lower neurologic injury scores (0.48 vs . 0.13; p = 0.01). Our study indicates that obtaining noninvasive DCS measures for children on ECMO is feasible and disruption of cerebral autoregulation determined from DCS is associated with higher radiographic neurologic injury score.

International survey of neuromonitoring and neurodevelopmental outcome in children and adults supported on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in Europe

BACKGROUND

Adverse neurological events during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are common and may be associated with devastating consequences. Close monitoring, early identification and prompt intervention can mitigate early and late neurological morbidity. Neuromonitoring and neurocognitive/neurodevelopmental follow-up are critically important to optimize outcomes in both adults and children.

OBJECTIVE

To assess current practice of neuromonitoring during ECMO and neurocognitive/neurodevelopmental follow-up after ECMO across Europe and to inform the development of neuromonitoring and follow-up guidelines.

METHODS

The EuroELSO Neurological Monitoring and Outcome Working Group conducted an electronic, web-based, multi-institutional, multinational survey in Europe.

RESULTS

Of the 211 European ECMO centres (including non-ELSO centres) identified and approached in 23 countries, 133 (63%) responded. Of these, 43% reported routine neuromonitoring during ECMO for all patients, 35% indicated selective use, and 22% practiced bedside clinical examination alone. The reported neuromonitoring modalities were NIRS (n = 88, 66.2%), electroencephalography (n = 52, 39.1%), transcranial Doppler (n = 38, 28.5%) and brain injury biomarkers (n = 33, 24.8%). Paediatric centres (67%) reported using cranial ultrasound, though the frequency of monitoring varied widely. Before hospital discharge following ECMO, 50 (37.6%) reported routine neurological assessment and 22 (16.5%) routinely performed neuroimaging with more paediatric centres offering neurological assessment (65%) as compared to adult centres (20%). Only 15 (11.2%) had a structured longitudinal follow-up pathway (defined followup at regular intervals), while 99 (74.4%) had no follow-up programme. The majority (n = 96, 72.2%) agreed that there should be a longitudinal structured follow-up for ECMO survivors.

CONCLUSIONS

This survey demonstrated significant variability in the use of different neuromonitoring modalities during and after ECMO. The perceived importance of neuromonitoring and follow-up was noted to be very high with agreement for a longitudinal structured follow-up programme, particularly in paediatric patients. Scientific society endorsed guidelines and minimum standards should be developed to inform local protocols.

Updates in Neonatal Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and the Artificial Placenta

Extracorporeal life support, initially performed in neonates, is now commonly used for both pediatric and adult patients requiring pulmonary and/or cardiac support. Data suggests the clinical feasibility of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for premature infants (29-33 weeks estimated gestational age [EGA]). For extremely premature infants less than 28 weeks EGA, an artificial placenta has been developed to recreate the fetal environment. This approach is investigational but clinical translation is promising. In this article, we discuss the current state and advances in neonatal and "preemie Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation" and the development of an artificial placenta and its potential use in extremely premature infants.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in children: A brief review

With the advancement in technology and increasing familiarity, the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has expanded in the past decade. Although ECMO can be lifesaving for critically ill children, it is an invasive therapy associated with complications that may necessitate rehabilitation and long-term follow-up. Paediatric clinicians play an essential role in managing these children, especially after the acute phase of their illness. This review provides an overview of ECMO and will provide a basic understanding of ECMO and its principles.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) and its complications in newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is offered to patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) who are in severe respiratory and cardiac failure. We aim to describe the types of complications among these patients and their impact on survival.

METHODS

A single-center, retrospective review of CDH patients cannulated onto ECMO between January 2005 and November 2020 was conducted. ECMO complications, as categorized by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO), were correlated with survival status. Descriptive statistics were used to compare observed complications between survivors and non-survivors.

RESULTS

In our cohort of CDH neonates, 21% (54/258) were supported with ECMO, of whom, 61% (33/54) survived. Survivors and non-survivors were similar in baseline characteristics except for birthweight z-score (p = 0.043). Seventy percent of CDH neonates experienced complications during their ECMO run, with the most common categories being metabolic (48.1%) and mechanical (38.9%), followed by hemorrhage (22.2%), neurological (18.5%), renal (11.1%), pulmonary (7.4%), and cardiovascular (7.4%). The median number of complications per patient was higher in the non-survivor group  (2 (IQR: 1-4) vs 1 (IQR: 0-2), p = 0.043). In addition, mechanical (57.1% vs 27.3%, p = 0.045) and renal (28.6% vs 0%, p = 0.002) complications were more common among non-survivors compared to survivors.

CONCLUSION

Complications occur frequently among ECMO-treated newborns with CDH, some of which have serious long-term consequences. Survivors had higher birth weight z-scores, shorter ECMO runs, and fewer complications per patient. Mechanical and renal complications were independently associated with mortality, emphasizing the utility of more focused strategies to target fluid balance and renal protection and to prevent circuit and cannula complications.

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

OBJECTIVE

Bleeding is a severe complication of patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). This study aimed to analyze the occurrence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of patients on ECMO with bleeding complications.

METHODS

ECMO cases reported to the multicenter ECMO registry database of the Chinese Society of Extracorporeal Life Support (CSECLS) from January 2017 to December 2020 were enrolled. General information, ECMO indications, application, complications, and patient outcomes were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 6541 ECMO patients from 112 centers were enrolled. Overall, 1185 patients (18.1%) presented with one of the following bleeding complications, including 82 cases (1.3%) with severe bleeding during ECMO catheterization, 462 cases (7.1%) with bleeding at the ECMO cannulation site, 200 cases (3.5%) with bleeding at the surgical site, 180 cases (2.8%) with cerebral hemorrhage, 99 cases (1.5%) with pulmonary hemorrhage, 200 cases (3.5%) with gastrointestinal hemorrhage, 82 cases (1.3%) with ECMO withdrawal, and 118 (1.8%) deaths due to severe bleeding. Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) patients had the highest incidence of bleeding complications (22.4%), followed by those on circulatory support (18.7%) and respiratory support (15.4%) (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that pediatric patients (odds ratio [OR] 1.509, p<0.001), patients receiving renal replacement therapy (OR 1.932, p<0.001), and patients receiving central ECMO cannulation (OR 3.023, p<0.001) were independent risk factors for all bleeding complications, while peripheral cannulation (OR 0.712, p<0.001) was an independent protective factor. Patients with any bleeding complication had significantly higher in-hospital mortality than patients without (61.9% vs. 46.3%, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Up to 18.1% of ECMO patients in the CSECLS registry experienced bleeding complications, which was associated with higher in-hospital mortality, especially in patients who received ECPR, patients on circulatory support, and pediatric patients, which should arouse the attention of clinicians.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in children: An update of a single tertiary center 11-Year experience from Croatia

INTRODUCTION

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an important treatment option for organ support in respiratory insufficiency, cardiac failure, or as an advanced tool for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Reports on pediatric ECMO use in our region are lacking.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective review of all pediatric cases that underwent a veno-arterial (VA) or veno-venous (VV) ECMO protocol between November 2009 and August 2020 at the Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Croatia.

RESULTS

Fifty-two ECMO runs identified over the period; data were complete for 45 cases, of which 23 (51%) were female, and median age was 8 months. Thirty-eight (84%) patients were treated using the VA-and 7 (16%) using VV-ECMO. The overall survival rate was 51%. Circulatory failure was the most common indication for ECMO (N = 38, 84%), and in 17 patients ECMO was started after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (E-CPR). Among survivors, 74% had no or minor neurological sequelae. Variables associated with poor outcome were renal failure with renal replacement therapy (p < .001) and intracranial injury (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Overall survival rate in our cohort is comparable to the data published in the literature. The use of hemodialysis was shown to be associated with higher mortality. High rates of full neurological recovery among survivors are a strong case for further ECMO program development in our institution.

An Automatic Pediatric Palliative Care Consultation for Children Supported on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Survey of Perceived Benefits and Barriers

Background: Pediatric palliative care (PPC) consultation is infrequent among children on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Objective: Investigate intensive care unit (ICU) team members' perceptions of automatic PPC consultation for children on ECMO in an ICU in the United States. Methods: Cross-sectional survey assessing benefits, barriers to PPC, and consultation processes. Results: Of 291 eligible respondents, 48% (n = 140) completed the survey and 16% (n = 47) answered an open-ended question. Benefits included support in decision-making (n = 98; 70%) and identification of goals of care (n = 89; 64%). Barriers included perception of giving up on families (n = 59; 42%) and poor acceptability by other team members (n = 58; 41%). Respondents endorsed communication with the primary ICU team before (n = 122; 87%) and after (n = 129; 92%) consultation. Open-ended responses showed more positive (79% vs. 13%) than negative statements. Positive statements reflected on expanding PPC to other critically-ill children where negative statements revealed unrecognized value in PPC. Conclusions: Results demonstrate opportunities for education about the scope of PPC and improvements in PPC delivery.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for respiratory failure in children: the years before and after the 2009 H1N1 pandemic

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether there was any impact on the number of pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation runs and survival rates in the years subsequent to the 2009 pandemic.

METHODS

We studied two different periods of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for respiratory failure in children by analyzing datasets from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization. Autoregressive integrated moving average models were constructed to estimate the effect of the pandemic. The year 2009 was the year of intervention (the H1N1 epidemic) in an interrupted time series model. Data collected from 2001 - 2010 were considered preintervention, and data collected from 2010 - 2017 were considered postintervention.

RESULTS

There was an increase in survival rates in the period 2010 - 2017 compared to 2001 - 2010 (p < 0.0001), with a significant improvement in survival when extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was performed for acute respiratory failure due to viral pneumonia. The autoregressive integrated moving average model shows an increase of 23 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation runs per year, prior to the point of the level effect (2009). In terms of survival, the preslope shows that there was no significant increase in survival rates before 2009 (p = 0.41), but the level effect was nearly significant after two years (p = 0.05), with a 6% increase in survival. In four years, there was an 8% (p = 0.03) increase in survival, and six years after 2009, there was up to a 10% (p = 0.026) increase in survival.

CONCLUSION

In the years following 2009, there was a significant, global incremental increase in the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation survival rates for all runs, mainly due to improvements in the technology and treatment protocols for acute respiratory failure related to viral pneumonia and other respiratory conditions.

Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) Guidelines for Follow-up After Neonatal and Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Neonates and children who have survived critical illness severe enough to require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are at risk for neurologic insults, neurodevelopmental delays, worsening of underlying medical conditions, and development of new medical comorbidities. Structured neurodevelopmental follow-up is recommended for early identification and prompt interventions of any neurodevelopmental delays. Even children who initially survive this critical illness without new medical or neurologic deficits remain at risk of developing new morbidities/delays at least through adolescence, highlighting the importance of structured follow-up by personnel knowledgeable in the sequelae of critical illness and ECMO. Structured follow-up should be multifaceted, beginning predischarge and continuing as a coordinated effort after discharge through adolescence. Predischarge efforts should consist of medical and neurologic evaluations, family education, and co-ordination of long-term ECMO care. After discharge, programs should recommend a compilation of pediatric care, disease-specific care for underlying or acquired conditions, structured ECMO/neurodevelopmental care including school performance, parental education, and support. Institutionally, regionally, and internationally available resources will impact the design of individual center's follow-up program. Additionally, neurodevelopmental testing will need to be culturally and lingually appropriate for centers' populations. Thus, ECMO centers should adapt follow-up program to their specific populations and resources with the predischarge and postdischarge components described here.

Tracheostomy and long-term mechanical ventilation in children after veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

OBJECTIVE

Our objective is to characterize the incidence of tracheostomy placement and of new requirement for long-term mechanical ventilation after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) among children with acute respiratory failure. We examine whether an association exists between demographics, pre-ECMO and ECMO clinical factors, and the placement of a tracheostomy or need for long-term mechanical ventilation.

METHODS

A retrospective multicenter cohort study was conducted at 10 quaternary care pediatric academic centers, including children supported with veno-venous (V-V) ECMO from 2011 to 2016.

RESULTS

Among 202 patients, 136 (67%) survived to ICU discharge. All tracheostomies were placed after ECMO decannulation, in 22 patients, with 19 of those surviving to ICU discharge (14% of survivors). Twelve patients (9% of survivors) were discharged on long-term mechanical ventilation. Tracheostomy placement and discharge on home ventilation were not associated with pre-ECMO severity of illness or pre-existing chronic illness. Patients who received a tracheostomy were older and weighed more than patients who did not receive a tracheostomy, although this association did not exist among patients discharged on home ventilation. ECMO duration was longer in those who received a tracheostomy compared with those who did not, as well as for those discharged on home ventilation, compared to those who were not.

CONCLUSION

The 14% rate for tracheostomy placement and 9% rate for discharge on long-term mechanical ventilation after V-V ECMO are important patient-centered findings. This study informs anticipatory guidance provided to families of patients requiring prolonged respiratory ECMO support, and lays the foundation for future research.

Bridging the Gap Between Intensivists and Primary Care Clinicians in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Respiratory Failure in Children: A Review

IMPORTANCE

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a form of advanced life support that may be used in children with refractory respiratory or cardiac failure. While it is required infrequently, in the US, ECMO is used to support childhood respiratory failure as often as children receive kidney or heart transplants. ECMO is complex, resource intensive, and potentially lifesaving, but it is also associated with risks of short-term complications and long-term adverse effects, most importantly with neurodevelopmental outcomes that are relevant to all pediatric clinicians, even those remote from the child's critical illness.

OBSERVATIONS

The 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic, along with randomized clinical trials of adult respiratory ECMO support and conventional management, have catalyzed sustained growth in the use of ECMO. The adult trials built on earlier neonatal ECMO randomized clinical trials that demonstrated improved survival in severe perinatal lung disease. For children outside of the neonatal period, there appear to have been no respiratory ECMO clinical trials. Applying evidence from adult respiratory failure or perinatal lung disease to children outside the neonatal period has important potential pitfalls. For these children, the underlying diseases and risks of ECMO are different. Despite these differences, both neonates and older children are at risk of neurologic complications, such as intracranial hemorrhage, ischemic stroke, and seizures, and those complications may contribute to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Without specific screening, subtle neurodevelopmental impairments may be missed, but when they are identified, children have the opportunity to receive therapy to optimize long-term development.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

All pediatric clinicians should be aware not only of the potential benefits and complications of ECMO but also that survivors need effective screening, support, and follow-up.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Children: Implementation and Key Diagnostic Applications

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) utilization is expanding rapidly, particularly in children, in whom the modality offers important advantages of dynamic evaluation of the vasculature, portability, lack of ionizing radiation, and lack of need for sedation. Accumulating data establish an excellent safety profile of ultrasound contrast agents in children. Although only FDA-approved for IV use in children for characterizing focal liver lesions and for use during echocardiography, growing off-label applications are expanding the diagnostic potential of ultrasound. Focal liver lesion evaluation is the most common use of CEUS, and the American College of Radiology Pediatric LI-RADS Working Group recommends including CEUS for evaluation of a newly discovered focal liver lesion in many circumstances. Data also support the role of CEUS in hemodynamically stable children with blunt abdominal trauma, and CEUS is becoming a potential alternative to CT in this setting. Additional potential applications that require further study include evaluation of pathology in the lung, spleen, brain, pancreas, bowel, kidney, female pelvis, and scrotum. This review explores the implementation of CEUS in children, describing basic principles of ultrasound contrast agents and CEUS technique and summarizing current and potential IV diagnostic applications based on pediatric-specific supporting evidence.

Acute Brain Injury in Infant Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: An Autopsy Study

OBJECTIVES

Characterization of the types and timing of acute brain injury in infant autopsy patients after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Single tertiary-care center.

PATIENTS

Infants supported on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Clinical and pathologic records were reviewed for infant extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients who had undergone brain autopsy in a single center between January 2009 and December 2018. Twenty-four patients supported on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation had postmortem examination with brain autopsy. Median age at extracorporeal membrane oxygenation initiation was 82 days (interquartile range, 11-263 d), median age at time of death was 20 weeks (interquartile range, 5-44 wk), and median extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support duration was 108 hours (interquartile range, 35-366 hr). The most common acute brain injury found at autopsy was hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (58%) followed by intracranial hemorrhage (29%). The most common types of intracranial hemorrhage were intracerebral (17%), subarachnoid (17%), and subdural (8%). Only five infants (21%) did not have acute brain injury. Correlates of acute brain injury included low preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation oxygen saturation as well as elevated liver enzymes, total bilirubin, and lactate on days 1 and 3 of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Gestational age, Apgar scores, birth weight, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation duration, anticoagulation therapy, and renal and hepatic impairments were not associated with acute brain injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute brain injury was observed in 79% of autopsies conducted in infants supported on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Hypoxic-ischemic brain injury was the most common type of brain injury (58%), and further associations with preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation acute brain injury require additional exploration.

Survival and Developmental Outcomes of Neonates Treated with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A 10-Year Single-Center Experience

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the associations between the primary indication for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in neonates and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 12 and 24 months of age.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective cohort study of neonates treated with ECMO between January 2006 and January 2016 in the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia newborn/infant intensive care unit. Primary indication for ECMO was classified as medical (eg, meconium aspiration syndrome) or surgical (eg, congenital diaphragmatic hernia). Primary study endpoints were assessed with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III). Groups were compared with standard bivariate testing and multivariable regression.

RESULTS

A total of 191 neonates met the study's inclusion criteria, including 96 with a medical indication and 95 with a surgical indication. Survival to discharge was 71%, with significantly higher survival in the medical group (82% vs 60%; P = .001). Survivors had high rates of developmental therapies and neurosensory abnormalities. Developmental outcomes were available for 66% at 12 months and 70% at 24 months. Average performance on the Bayley-III was significantly below expected population normative values. Surgical patients had modestly lower the Bayley-III scores over time; most notably, 15% of medical infants and 49% of surgical infants had motor delay at 24 months (P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

In this single-center cohort, surgical patients had lower survival rates and higher incidence of motor delays. Strategies to reduce barriers to follow-up and improve rates of postdischarge developmental surveillance and intervention in this high-risk population are needed.

Surgery in Neonatal and Pediatric ECMO Patients Other Than Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair: A 10-Year Experience

Aim of Study: The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has increased as a result of technological developments and the expansion of indications. Relatedly, the number of patients undergoing surgery during ECMO is also rising, at least in the adult population. Little is known on surgery in children during ECMO-therapy. We therefore aimed to assess the frequencies and types of surgical interventions in neonatal and pediatric patients on ECMO and to analyze surgery-related morbidity and mortality. Methods: We retrospectively collected information of all patients on ECMO over a 10-year period in a single tertiary and designated ECMO-center, excluding patients undergoing cardiac surgery, and correction of congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Chi-squared test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyze data. Main Results: Thirty-two of 221 patients (14%) required surgery when on ECMO. Common interventions were thoracotomy (32%), laparotomy (23%), fasciotomy (17%), and surgical revision of ECMO (15%). Complications occurred in 28 cases (88%), resulting in a 50% in-hospital mortality rate. Surgical patients had a longer ICU stay and longer total hospital stay compared to those not receiving surgery during ECMO. No significant difference in mortality was found when comparing surgical to non-surgical patients (50 vs. 41%). Conclusions: Approximately one in seven neonatal or pediatric patients required surgical intervention during ECMO, of whom almost 90% developed a complication, resulting in a 50% mortality rate. These results should be taken into account in counseling.

Beyond survival: Readmissions and late mortality in pediatric ECMO survivors

INTRODUCTION

The objective of our study was to identify rates of readmission and late mortality in pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients after discharge from their ECMO hospitalization.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of children who were discharged after ECMO. Data were obtained from the State Inpatient Databases for 10 states. Time-to-event analyses were used to estimate the risk of readmission and to identify factors predictive of readmission and late mortality, including characteristics of initial hospital course and ECMO center volume.

RESULTS

A total of 1603 pediatric ECMO patients were identified, and 42.4% of these patients died prior to discharge. Of the 924 ECMO survivors, 35.6% had an unplanned readmission, and 3% died during readmission within 1 year. The risk of readmission was significantly related to the indication for ECMO, number of complex chronic conditions, transfer status, and discharge destination (all p<0.05). The risk of late mortality was significantly related to health insurance, transfer status, number of complex chronic conditions, and indication for ECMO (all p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric ECMO survivors have a high risk of hospital readmission with approximately 3% mortality during readmissions within 1 year of initial discharge.

TYPE OF STUDY

Retrospective Cohort Study LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Neurological Monitoring and Complications of Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is extracorporeal life support for life-threatening cardiopulmonary failure. Since its introduction, the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has expanded to patients with more complex comorbidities without change in patient mortality rates. Although many patients survive, significant neurological complications like seizures, ischemic strokes, and intracranial hemorrhage can occur during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation care. The risks of these complications often add to the complexity of decision-making surrounding extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiology and incidence of neurological complications in children supported on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, factors influencing the incidence of these complications, commonly used neurological monitoring modalities, and outcomes for this complex patient population. We discuss the current literature on the use of electroencephalography for both seizure detection and monitoring of background electroencephalographic changes, in addition to the use of less commonly used imaging modalities like transcranial Doppler. We summarize the knowledge gaps and the lack of clinical consensus guidelines for managing these potentially life-changing neurological complications. Finally, we discuss future work to further understand the pathophysiology of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-related neurological complications.

Hematologic concerns in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

This ISTH "State of the Art" review aims to critically evaluate the hematologic considerations and complications in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). ECMO is experiencing a rapid increase in clinical use, but many questions remain unanswered. The existing literature does not address or explicitly state many pertinent details that may influence hematologic complications and, ultimately, patient outcomes. This review aims to broadly introduce modern ECMO practices, circuit designs, circuit materials, hematologic complications, transfusion-related considerations, age- and size-related differences, and considerations for choosing outcome measures. Relevant studies from the 2019 ISTH Congress in Melbourne, which further advanced our understanding of these processes, will also be highlighted.

Childhood Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Survivors: Parents Highlight Need for Structured Follow-Up and Support After Hospital Discharge

OBJECTIVES

To examine parental experiences of childhood extracorporeal membrane oxygenation survivors to understand: 1) the problems children faced and 2) the support received following hospital discharge.

DESIGN

Single-center descriptive study.

SETTING

Nationally commissioned center for neonatal and pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

PATIENTS

All traceable survivors less than 18 years old who received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation from January 1998 to April 2013.

INTERVENTION

Anonymized postal questionnaire completed by parents of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation survivors.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Parent-reported developmental problems, follow-up, and the degree of satisfaction with any follow-up experience. Parents of 89 of 366 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation survivors (24%) responded. Sixty-six (74%) reported having developmental concerns about their child, including speech and language (n = 32; 36%), concentration (n = 28; 31%), movement/physical difficulties (n = 26; 29%), and educational difficulties (n = 22; 25%); 46 (52%) indicated that their child had difficulties across multiple domains. Twenty-one (34%) of those with one or more reported developmental concerns were not receiving any follow-up. However, 57 (64%) attended our 1-year follow-up extracorporeal membrane oxygenation clinic and 54 of 57 (95%) found it very useful. Three themes related to perceived need were identified from parents' free-text comments: the need for an expert point of contact and follow-up at the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation center; more information on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and any long-term effects; and more support from, and easier access to, community specialist services.

CONCLUSIONS

A proportion of children who have undergone extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment have needs that are not being met, with variable access to service provision. Structured follow-up after discharge would enable early identification of developmental concerns, permit early referral or intervention, and provide support to families. Education and sharing of information about extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with general practitioners/family physicians, community professionals, and schools are essential.

Long-term survival and costs following extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in critically ill children-a population-based cohort study

Background

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used to provide temporary cardiorespiratory support to critically ill children. While short-term outcomes and costs have been evaluated in this population, less is known regarding long-term survival and costs.

Methods

Population-based cohort study from Ontario, Canada (October 1, 2009 to March 31, 2017), of pediatric patients (< 18 years of age) receiving ECMO, identified through the use of an ECMO procedural code. Outcomes were identified through linkage to provincial health databases. Primary outcome was survival, measured to hospital discharge, as well as at 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years following ECMO initiation. We evaluated total patient costs in the first year following ECMO.

Results

We analyzed 342 pediatric patients. Mean age at ECMO initiation was 2.9 years (standard deviation [SD] = 5.0). Median time from hospital admission to ECMO initiation was 5 days (interquartile range [IQR] = 1–13 days). Overall survival to hospital discharge was 56.4%. Survival at 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years was 51.5%, 50.0%, and 42.1%, respectively. Among survivors, 99.5% were discharged home. Median total costs among all patients in the year following hospital admission were $147,957 (IQR $70,571–$300,295). Of these costs, the large proportion were attributable to the inpatient cost from the index admission (median $119,197, IQR $57,839–$250,675).

Conclusions

Children requiring ECMO continue to have a significant in-hospital mortality, but reassuringly, there is little decrease in long-term survival at 1 year. Median costs among all patients were substantial, but largely reflect inpatient hospital costs, rather than post-discharge outpatient costs. This information provides value to providers and health systems, allowing for prognostication of short- and long-term outcomes, as well as long-term healthcare-related expenses for pediatric ECMO survivors.

Early Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Children Supported with ECMO for Cardiac Indications

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is lifesaving for many critically ill children with congenital heart disease (CHD). However, limited information is available about their ensuing neurodevelopmental (ND) outcomes. We describe early ND outcomes in a cohort of children supported with ECMO for cardiac indications. Twenty-eight patients supported with ECMO at age < 36 months underwent later ND testing at 12-42 months of age using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III). ND scores were compared with normative means and with ND outcomes of a matched cohort of 79 children with CHD undergoing cardiac surgery but not requiring ECMO support. Risk factors for worse ND outcomes were identified using multivariable linear regression models. Cardiac ECMO patients had ND scores at least one standard deviation below the normative mean in the gross motor (61%), language (43%), and cognitive (29%) domains of the Bayley-III. Cardiac ECMO patients had lower scores on the motor, language, and cognitive domains as compared to the matched non-ECMO group and clinically important (1/2 SD) differences in the motor domain persisted after controlling for primary caregiver education and number of cardiac catheterizations. Risk factors of worse ND outcomes among cardiac ECMO patients in more than one developmental domain included older age at first cannulation and more cardiac catheterization and cardiac surgical procedures prior to ND assessment. Overall, children supported on ECMO for cardiac indications have significant developmental delays and warrant close ND follow-up.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is characterized by failure of diaphragmatic development with lung hypoplasia and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). If conventional treatment with gentle ventilation and optimized vasoactive medication fails, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may be considered. The benefits of ECMO in CDH are still controversial, since there are only few randomized trials demonstrating the advantages of this therapeutic option. At present, there is no precise prenatal and/or early postnatal prognostication parameter to predict reversibility of PPHN in CDH patients. Indications for initiating ECMO include either respiratory or circulatory parameters, which are also undergoing continuous refinement. Centers with higher case numbers and the availability of ECMO published promising survival rates, but data on long-term results, including morbidity and quality of life, are rare. Survival might be influenced by the timing of ECMO initiation and the timing of surgical repair. In this regard a trend toward early initiation of ECMO and early surgery on ECMO exists. The results concerning the cannulation modes are similar and a consensus on time limit for ECMO runs does not exist. The use of ECMO in CDH will continue to be evaluated, and prospective randomized trials and registry network are necessary to help answering the addressed questions of patient selection and management.

Neurocognitive Outcome After Treatment With(out) ECMO for Neonatal Critical Respiratory or Cardiac Failure

Over the years, it has become clear that children growing up after neonatal critical illness are at high risk of long-term neurocognitive deficits that impact their school performance and daily life activities. Although the pathophysiological mechanisms remain largely unknown, emerging evidence seems to suggest that long-term neuropsychological deficits following neonatal critical illness are not associated with the type of treatment, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), but rather with underlying disease processes. In this review, neurocognitive outcome and brain pathology following neonatal critical respiratory and cardiac illness, either treated with or without ECMO, are described and compared in order to gain insight into potential underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Putting these findings together, it becomes apparent that both children with complex congenital heart disease and children who survived severe respiratory failure are at risk of neurocognitive deficits later in life. Neurorehabilitation strategies, such as Cogmed working-memory training, are discussed. While prevention of neurocognitive deficits altogether should be strived for in the future, this is not realistic at this moment. It is therefore of great importance that children growing up after neonatal critical illness receive long-term care that includes psychoeducation and personalized practical tools that can be used to improve their daily life activities.

Extracellular histones indicate the prognosis in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy

Introduction:

Extracellular histones have been recently identified as damage-associated molecular-pattern (DAMP) molecules involved with the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases. This study intended to investigate whether extracellular histones can indicate the prognosis in critically ill patients supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy.

Methods:

A total of 56 patients undergoing ECMO were analysed retrospectively. Median concentrations of extracellular histones in patients before ECMO were assessed and used to divide the patients into two groups (Group 1 <48 µg/ml and Group 2 ⩾48 µg/ml). Mortality rate, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores and systemic inflammation were compared between the groups.

Results:

There were relatively higher concentrations of extracellular histones in Group 2 patients (57.78 µg/ml [48.4, 71.3]) than in Group 1 patients (36.76 µg/ml [28.5, 39.3], p<0.0001). The hospital mortality rate was 55.4% for the entire study subjects, with significantly worsened mortality in Group 2 in contrast to Group 1 (58.8% vs. 50%, p=0.031). Moreover, Group 2 patients had significantly higher SOFA scores and more pronounced systemic inflammation than Group 1 patients prior to ECMO initialization.

Conclusions:

Extracellular histones are known contributors to cell damage and organ injury. Our study showed that extracellular histones have a predictive value in the assessment of outcome of patients undergoing ECMO therapy and may be helpful for risk stratification in clinical settings.