Use of ECMO for Cardiogenic Shock in Pediatric Population

Transcatheter Axial Pump Use in Pediatric Patients on Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: An ACTION Collaborative Experience

We report the largest pediatric multicenter experience with Impella pump use and peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) support. Utilizing the Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network (ACTION) collaborative database, we conducted a retrospective, multicenter study of all patients with cardiogenic shock requiring VA-ECMO support with subsequent Impella implant between October 2014 and December 2021. The primary outcome was defined as death while on Impella support. Secondary outcomes were recovery, transplantation, and transition to durable ventricular assist device (VAD) at the time of Impella explantation. Adverse events were defined according to the ACTION registry criteria. Twenty subjects were supported with Impella; Impella 2.5 (n = 3), CP (n = 12), 5.0/5.5 (n = 5). The median Interquartile range (IQR) age, weight, and body surface area at implantation were 15.6 years (IQR = 13.9-17.2), 65.7 kg (IQR = 53.1-80.7), and 1.74 m2 (IQR = 1.58-1.98). Primary cardiac diagnoses were dilated cardiomyopathy/myocarditis in nine (45%), congenital heart disease in four (20%), graft failure/rejection in four (20%), and three (15%) others. Most common adverse events included hemolysis (50%) and bleeding (20%). There were two deaths (10%) in the cohort. Nine patients (45%) were explanted for recovery, eight (40%) were transitioned to a durable VAD, and one (5%) underwent heart transplantation. Impella percutaneous pump support should be considered in the older pediatric population supported with peripheral VA-ECMO, as a means of left heart decompression, and a strategy to come off ECMO to achieve endpoints of myocardial recovery, transition to a durable VAD, or transplantation.

Use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to monitor neonatal and pediatric extracorporeal life support

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an invasive life support technique that requires a blood pump, an artificial membrane lung, and vascular cannulae to drain de-oxygenated blood, remove carbon dioxide, oxygenate, and return it to the patient. ECMO is generally used to provide advanced and prolonged cardiopulmonary support in patients with refractory acute cardiac and/or respiratory failure. After its first use in 1975 to manage a severe form of meconium aspiration syndrome with resultant pulmonary hypertension, the following years were dominated by the use of ECMO to manage neonatal respiratory failure and limited to a few centers across the world. In the 1990s, evidence for neonatal respiratory ECMO support increased; however, the number of cases began to decline with the use of newer pharmacologic therapies (e.g., inhaled nitric oxide, exogenous surfactant, and high-frequency oscillatory ventilation). On the contrary, pediatric ECMO sustained steady growth. Combined advances in ECMO technology and bedside medical management have improved general outcomes, although ECMO-related complications remain challenging. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is an essential tool to monitor all phases of neonatal and pediatric ECMO: evaluation of ECMO candidacy, ultrasound-guided ECMO cannulation, daily evaluation of heart and lung function and brain perfusion, detection and management of major complications, and weaning from ECMO support.  Conclusion: Based on these considerations and on the lack of specific guidelines for the use of POCUS in the neonatal and pediatric ECMO setting, the aim of this paper is to provide a systematic overview for the application of POCUS during ECMO support in these populations. What is Known: • Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides advanced cardiopulmonary support for patients with refractory acute cardiac and/or respiratory failure and requires appropriate monitoring. • Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is an accessible and adaptable tool to assess neonatal and pediatric cardiac and/or respiratory failure at bedside. What is New: • In this review, we discussed the use of POCUS to monitor and manage at bedside neonatal and pediatric patients supported with ECMO. • We explored the potential use of POCUS during all phases of ECMO support: pre-ECMO assessment, ECMO candidacy evaluation, daily evaluation of heart, lung and brain function, detection and troubleshooting of major complications, and weaning from ECMO support.

Cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation in pediatric patients with cardiac disease: a narrative review

Children with cardiac disease are at a higher risk of cardiac arrest as compared to healthy children. Delivering adequate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be challenging due to anatomic characteristics, risk profiles, and physiologies. We aimed to review the physiological aspects of resuscitation in different cardiac physiologies, summarize the current recommendations, provide un update of current literature, and highlight knowledge gaps to guide research efforts. We specifically reviewed current knowledge on resuscitation strategies for high-risk categories of patients including patients with single-ventricle physiology, right-sided lesions, right ventricle restrictive physiology, left-sided lesions, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and arrhythmias. Cardiac arrest occurs in about 1% of hospitalized children with cardiac disease, and in 5% of those admitted to an intensive care unit. Mortality after cardiac arrest in this population remains high, ranging from 30 to 65%. The neurologic outcome varies widely among studies, with a favorable neurologic outcome at discharge observed in 64%-95% of the survivors. Risk factors for cardiac arrest and associated mortality include younger age, lower weight, prematurity, genetic syndrome, single-ventricle physiology, arrhythmias, pulmonary arterial hypertension, comorbidities, mechanical ventilation preceding cardiac arrest, surgical complexity, higher vasoactive-inotropic score, and factors related to resources and institutional characteristics. Recent data suggest that Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation CPR (ECPR) may be a valid strategy in centers with expertise. Overall, knowledge on resuscitation strategies based on physiology remains limited, with a crucial need for further research in this field. Collaborative and interprofessional studies are highly needed to improve care and outcomes for this high-risk population. What is Known: • Children with cardiac disease are at high risk of cardiac arrest, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation may be challenging due to unique characteristics and different physiologies. • Mortality after cardiac arrest remains high and neurologic outcomes suboptimal. What is New: • We reviewed the unique resuscitation challenges, current knowledge, and recommendations for different cardiac physiologies. • We highlighted knowledge gaps to guide research efforts aimed to improve care and outcomes in this high-risk population.

Knowledge regarding extracorporeal membrane oxygenation management among Brazilian pediatric intensivists: a cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVE

To assess Brazilian pediatric intensivists' general knowledge of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, including evidence for its use, the national funding model, indications, and complications.

METHODS

This was a multicenter cross-sectional survey including 45 Brazilian pediatric intensive care units. A convenience sample of 654 intensivists was surveyed regarding their knowledge on managing patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, its indications, complications, funding, and literature evidence.

RESULTS

The survey addressed questions regarding the knowledge and experience of pediatric intensivists with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, including two clinical cases and 6 optional questions about the management of patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Of the 45 invited centers, 42 (91%) participated in the study, and 412 of 654 (63%) pediatric intensivists responded to the survey. Most pediatric intensive care units were from the Southeast region of Brazil (59.5%), and private/for-profit hospitals represented 28.6% of the participating centers. The average age of respondents was 41.4 (standard deviation 9.1) years, and the majority (77%) were women. Only 12.4% of respondents had taken an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation course. Only 19% of surveyed hospitals have an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation program, and only 27% of intensivists reported having already managed patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Specific extracorporeal membrane oxygenation management questions were responded to by only 64 physicians (15.5%), who had a fair/good correct response rate (median 63.4%; range 32.8% to 91.9%).

CONCLUSION

Most Brazilian pediatric intensivists demonstrated limited knowledge regarding extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, including its indications and complications. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is not yet widely available in Brazil, with few intensivists prepared to manage patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and even fewer intensivists recognizing when to refer patients to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation centers.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after prosthetic valve replacement in a child with neonatal Marfan syndrome: a case report

BACKGROUND

Neonatal Marfan syndrome (nMFS), the most severe form of Marfan syndrome, is a rare condition that presents a clinical and treatment challenge. nMFS has high infant mortality related to progressive valvular dysfunction. Valve replacement in this setting improves long-term prognosis but carries high morbidity and mortality. Thus, sharing clinical experience in treating such patients is valuable.

CASE SUMMARY

A 2 year old with nMFS underwent tricuspid valve annuloplasty and prosthetic mitral valve replacement. Postoperative management was complicated by pulmonary hypertension, cardiogenic shock, and arrythmias. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) helped overcome these challenges but posed a high risk for prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT). Despite decompression of the left atrium (LA) with an LA vent, the left ventricle (LV) was distended because of aortic regurgitation and no native cardiac output. We lowered the ECMO flow under echocardiographic guidance; used inodilators and pacing to encourage transmitral flow and reduce LV afterload. The patient completed a successful 6-day ECMO run with good end-organ perfusion. At last follow up, she was 6 years old, enjoying school, home-ventilated through the tracheostomy, and mobilizing with walking aids/wheelchair.

DISCUSSION

Valve replacement can improve life quality and expectancy for patients with nMFS. Lowering ECMO flow under echocardiography guidance till the aortic valve is seen to open; coupled with inodilators, pacing and adequate anticoagulation can be a safe way to deliver VA-ECMO for cardiogenic shock after prosthetic valve replacement. Further research is needed to show if this strategy prevents prosthetic valve thrombosis and provides sufficient haemodynamic support and myocardial rest.