Oncostatin M for characterizing the inflammatory burden and outcome of V-V ECMO in ARDS patients.

BACKGROUND: Assessing the outcome of Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (V-V ECMO) support remains challenging as plasma lactate (pLA), the widely used tool for this purpose, has been shown unreliable. We hypothesized that plasma oncostatin M (pOSM), a sensitive marker of leukocyte activation in infection and inflammation, could address this deficiency. METHODS: Plasma OSM levels were measured by ELISA in 30 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) patients, prior to cannulation (baseline) and decannulation. RESULTS: Based on the absolute pOSM levels at presentation, patients were separated into two groups, A and B. Patients in group A had low pOSM levels (Mean ± SD; Median, 1.1 ± 3.8; 0 pg/mL), whereas group B had high pOSM levels (1548 ± 1999; 767 pg/mL) [t-test: p < 0.01]. The percentage of pOSM levels at decannulation relative to baseline OSM levels was significantly higher in those who died (116.8 ± 68.0; 85.3%) than those who survived (47.6 ± 25.5; 48.9%) [t-test: p = 0.02; Mann-Whitney U Test: p = 0.01]. Conversely, no significant difference was observed in the percentage of pLA levels between those who died (142.9 ± 179.9; 89.8%) and those who survived (79.3 ± 34.3; 81.8%) [t-test: p = 0.31; Mann-Whitney U Test: p = 0.63]. CONCLUSION: These early findings suggested critical value of absolute and relative pOSM to characterize the inflammatory burden of ARDS patients and the outcome of their V-V ECMO support.

Veno-arteriovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-A single center experience.

BACKGROUND: Patients with combined circulatory shock and respiratory failure may benefit from veno-arteriovenous (V-AV) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support (ECMO). We report our center's experience with V-AV ECMO and propose an algorithm to help identify patients that may benefit from early V-AV ECMO support. METHODS: Clinical data were extracted from electronic medical records between November 1, 2016 and November 1, 2019. RESULTS: Out of a total of 369 patients placed on extracorporeal life support (ECLS), we identified a total of 26 patients who underwent hybrid ECMO placement. Three patients were excluded from our analysis due to veno-venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-VA ECMO) configuration, therefore 23 patients were included in our analysis. The median age was 53 (range 25-73) years. Hybrid ECMO support was instituted most commonly for differential hypoxemia in patients on venoarterial (V-A) ECMO support, and cardiogenic shock in patients who were initially started on venovenous (V-V) ECMO. The initial ECMO cannulation was V-A in 12 patients, V-V in 8 patients, and directly V-AV in 3 patients. Nine out of 23 patients were successfully decannulated (39.1%) and survived until hospital discharge. The main ECMO-related complications included bleeding (n = 10), circuit exchange either due to hemolysis or oxygenator failure (n = 4), ECMO cannula site infection (n = 2), deep venous thrombosis (n = 2), and death during ECMO cannula exchange (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: V-AV ECMO represents a rescue strategy in critically ill patients with combined respiratory failure and cardio-circulatory shock.

Mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation for venoarterial ECMO implantation in pulmonary embolism complicated by type B aortic dissection and retroperitoneal hemorrhage.

A patient with acute pulmonary embolism suffered cardiac arrest, received manual and mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation and tissue plasminogen activator before extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated. She suffered a type B aortic dissection and retroperitoneal hemorrhage secondary to resuscitation measures. This case report describes high-risk anticoagulation management for contradicting treatment goals in preparation for pulmonary embolectomy on cardiopulmonary bypass.

Percutaneous venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to double valve implantation in acute biventricular heart failure with profound cardiogenic shock.

A 71-year-old woman was admitted with acute hypoxic and hypercapnic respiratory failure and cardiogenic shock, secondary to acute on chronic biventricular systolic and diastolic congestive heart failure and severe aortic and mitral valve stenosis. She further presented with pulmonary hypertension and moderate-to-severe tricuspid regurgitation requiring high and increasing doses of vasopressors. The patient was percutaneously cannulated for venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) and stabilized on ECMO, with a urine output of 17.3 L within the following 8 days. Balloon valvuloplasty and/or transcatheter aortic valve replacement were discussed but ruled out by the multidisciplinary team considering the mitral valve could not be fully addressed. Though lung function was not fully optimized, a window of opportunity was identified and used for double valve replacement on day 8 of VA-ECMO support. After a 24-hour vasoplegic period, the patient was extubated to continuous positive airway pressure and further transitioned to nasal cannula, following which she recovered well.

A Survey to Quantify the Number and Structure of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Retrieval Programs in the United States.

(1) Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) represents a potentially lifesaving support for respiratory and/or circulatory failure but its availability is limited to larger medical centers. A well-organized regional ECMO center with remote cannulation and retrieval ability can offer this intervention to patients treated at hospitals without ECMO. Information regarding the number and structure of ECMO retrieval programs in the United States is limited and there are no data regarding the size and structure of existing programs and which physician specialists perform cannulations and provide management. (2) Methods: We created a survey of 12 questions that was sent out to all adult US ECMO programs registered in the ELSO database. The data for the study were collected through an online survey instrument that was developed in Survey Monkey (Monkey Headquarters, Portland, OR). (3) Results: Approximately half of the centers that received the survey responded: 136 out of 274 (49.6%). Sixty-three centers (46%) have an ECMO retrieval program; 58 of these offer both veno-arterial (V-A) and veno-venous (V-V) ECMO, while 5 programs offer V-V ECMO rescue only. Thirty-three (52%) centers perform less than 10 ECMO retrievals per year, and only five (8%) hospitals can perform more than 50 ECMO rescues per year. Cardiothoracic surgeons perform the majority of the ECMO cannulations during retrievals in 30 programs (48%), followed by intensivists in eight (13%) programs and cardiologists in three (5%) centers. (4) Conclusions: Many ECMO centers offer ECMO retrievals; however, only a minority of the programs perform a large number of rescues per year. These cannulations are primarily performed by cardiothoracic surgeons.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in diabetic ketoacidosis-related cardiac and respiratory failure.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common clinical problem. When patients develop severe shock and/or respiratory failure, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may be considered. This case series describes the clinical presentation and outcomes of patients with DKA supported with ECMO. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective and anonymized review of 15 patients with DKA who required ECMO at our institution. Demographic and ECMO-specific data were collected. Additional variables include ICU length of stay (LOS), acute kidney injury and use of continuous renal replacement therapy, disposition, and mortality. RESULTS: All ECMO cannulations were performed by an intensivist using peripheral vascular access. The majority of patients were female (73%) with a median age of 27 (IQR = 21.5-45) years. A diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (DM) prior to ECMO was present in 11 (73%) patients. Venoarterial ECMO was the initial mode used in 11 (73%) patients. The median duration of ECMO support was 7 (IQR = 6-14) days. The median ICU LOS was 12 (IQR = 8.5-20.5) days, and the median hospital LOS was 21 (IQR = 11-36.5) days. Eight patients had cardiac arrest and underwent extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) of which 4 (50%) patients survived to discharge. Overall, 10 (66.7%) patients were successfully weaned from ECMO and survived to discharge. CONCLUSION: This is the largest case series regarding the use of ECMO for patients with refractory shock, cardiac arrest, or respiratory failure related to DKA. The findings suggest that ECMO is a viable support option for managing these patients and has excellent outcomes, including patients with cardiac arrest.

Comparing Outcomes of Post-Cardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock Patients: On-Site Cannulation vs. Retrieval for V-A ECMO Support.

Background: Post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCCS) remains a life-threatening complication after cardiac surgery. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) represents the mainstay of mechanical circulatory support for PCCS; however, its availability is limited to larger experienced centers, leading to a mismatch between centers performing cardiac surgery and hospitals offering ECMO management beyond cannulation. We sought to evaluate the outcomes and complications of PCCS patients requiring veno-arterial (V-A) ECMO cannulated at our hospital compared to those cannulated at referral hospitals. Methods: A retrospective analysis of PCCS patients requiring V-A ECMO was conducted between October 2014 to December 2022. Results: A total of 121 PCCS patients required V-A ECMO support, of which 62 (51%) patients were cannulated at the referring institutions and retrieved (retrieved group), and 59 (49%) were cannulated at our hospital (on-site group). The baseline demographics and pre-ECMO variables were similar between groups, except retrieved patients had higher lactic acid levels (retrieved group: 8.5 mmol/L ± 5.8 vs. on-site group: 6.6 ± 5; p = 0.04). Coronary artery bypass graft was the most common surgical intervention (51% in the retrieved group vs. 47% in the on-site group). There was no difference in survival-to-discharge rates between the groups (45% in the retrieved group vs. 51% in the on-site group; p = 0.53) or in the rate of patient-related complications. Conclusions: PCCS patients retrieved on V-A ECMO can achieve similar outcomes as those cannulated at experienced centers. An established network in a hub-and-spoke model is critical for the PCCS patients managed at hospitals without ECMO abilities to improve outcomes.

Bridging the gap: safety and outcomes of intensivist-led ECMO retrievals.

Purpose: Most extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) cannulations are performed by cardiothoracic surgeons (CTS). Due to an increase in utilization of ECMO and limited availability of CTS, there is a mismatch between ECMO demand and CTS accessibility for remote cannulations. We report our intensivist-led program's experience in remote ECMO cannulations, retrievals, complications, and outcomes. Materials and methods: A prospective, single-center, observational study was performed on patients that required ECMO cannulation at the referring facilities and were transported to our institution between program initiation, on October 1, 2014 to September 30, 2022. Results were presented as mean ± SD, median (min - max) or number (%). Results: Since program commencement, 305 patients were accepted for ECMO retrieval. Three hundred and three patients were placed on ECMO at the 47 referring hospitals among 5 states. In our study, 185 (61%) patients required veno-arterial ECMO and 115 (38%) were placed on veno-venous ECMO. Three patients (1%) were cannulated for veno-arteriovenous ECMO. Twenty patients were cannulated under cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. Most of the patients were transported by ambulance (79%), 14% by helicopter, and 7% by airplane. Six out of the 303 patients did not leave the referring facility. All patients that left the referring hospitals arrived safely to our institution. No major complications occurred in route. Conclusion: Our study's findings indicate that non-CTS physicians can successfully cannulate and retrieve patients with a low complication profile.

Extracorporeal life support in pregnant and postpartum women with COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an intervention used for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) from COVID-19 who have failed conventional ventilatory strategies. Very few studies have given insight into the outcomes of pregnant and postpartum patients requiring ECMO support. METHODS: Single center, retrospective, observational study of female pregnant and postpartum patients suffering COVID-19 ARDS and requiring ECMO. RESULTS: Eight SARS-CoV-2 positive patients were identified. The average age was 31 ± 4 years, with Body Mass Indices (BMI) and SOFA scores ranging between 32-49 and 8-11, respectively. Two patients were pregnant at the time of ECMO initiation, two were peripartum, and four were postpartum. Five patients (63%) had bleeding, and one patient had a hysterectomy. Seven patients (88%) were supported by V-V ECMO and one with V-A ECMO. Patients had between one and three circuit exchanges due to oxygenator failure or clots in the circuit. All patients were in ICU between 7 and 74 days, with hospital length of stay between 8 and 81 days. All patients were weaned off ECMO and were successfully discharged from the hospital. All newborns were born via cesarean section, and all survived to discharge. CONCLUSION: Our study shows a 100% neonatal and maternal survival rate demonstrating that ECMO in this patient population is safe. These patients should be transferred to experienced high-volume ECMO centers with the ability to perform emergent cesarean sections. ECMO should be considered a life-saving therapy for pregnant women with severe COVID-19 with an overall excellent maternal and neonatal survival rate.

The ProtekDuo as double lumen return cannula in V-VP ECMO configuration: A first-in-man method description.

We present a case of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to COVID-19 who required venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO). Initially, a right ventricular assist device (RVAD), the ProtekDuo with an oxygenator, was placed in an outside heart center and the patient was transferred to us for ECMO management. Due to severe hypoxia, the configuration was later modified, and a 25 Fr femoral drainage cannula was inserted for venous drainage only. The arterial return tubing was spliced and using a Y-connector, arterialized blood was returned through both limbs of the ProtekDuo resulting in a significantly increased oxygenation and flow.

The ProtekDuo for percutaneous V-P and V-VP ECMO in patients with COVID-19 ARDS.

OBJECTIVE: The ProtekDuo with oxygenator mimics veno-venous (V-V) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in veno-pulmonary (V-P) configuration. We have recently developed a new configuration by utilizing a 25 Fr multistage femoral venous drainage cannula and by returning oxygenated blood through both lumina of the double lumen ProtekDuo cannula (V-VP configuration), thereby creating partial right ventricular bypass and oxygenated blood flow of up to seven LPM. We investigated our experience with V-P and V-VP ECMO in patients suffering from COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). METHODS: Single center, retrospective observational study. RESULTS: Of nine patients, one was initiated on V-A, two on V-P, and six on V-V ECMO. All patients were reconfigured to V-P and five patients in addition had V-VP ECMO configuration. All patients had at least one and up to three circuit exchanges. Patients were on ECMO support between 20 and 122 (55 ± 29) days, were in ICU between 46 and 161 (78 ± 40) days with a total hospital length of stay between 35 and 171 (82 ± 42) days. Six of nine (67%) patients could successfully be weaned off ECMO, survived, and were discharged. CONCLUSION: The ProtekDuo cannula in V-P configuration provides ECMO blood flow while reducing RV flow, wall-stress and dilatation, as well as oxygen consumption. The V-VP configuration is useful to provide high blood flows of up to seven LPM of oxygenated blood, and partial RV support without over-circulating the pulmonary vascular bed. Our results show that V-P and V-VP ECMO configurations are feasible, have good outcome and are without complications.

The impact of antifungals on toll-like receptors.

Fungi are increasingly recognized as major pathogens in immunocompromised individuals. With the increase in the number of fungal infections each year and the development of resistance to current therapy, new approaches to treatment including stimulation of the immune response in addition to concurrent pharmacotherapy is ongoing. The most common invasive fungal infections are caused by Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., and Cryptococcus spp. Amphotericin B (AmB) has remained the cornerstone of therapy against many fulminant fungal infections but its use is limited by its multitude of side effects. Echinocandins are a newer class of antifungal drugs with activity against Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. and constitutes an alternative to AmB due to superior patient tolerability and fewer side effects. Due to their oral delivery, azoles continue to be heavily used for simple and complex diseases, such as fluconazole for candidal vaginitis and voriconazole for aspergillosis. The objective of this paper is to present current knowledge regarding the multiple interactions between the broad spectrum antifungals and the innate immune response, primarily focusing on the toll-like receptors.