Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support for Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-associated Vasculitides: An ELSO Registry Analysis.

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides with pulmonary involvement include granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis, and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and can present with life-threatening pulmonary hemorrhage in up to 40% of patients. Mortality in those patients who require intubation and mechanical ventilation can reach 77%. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be used to support these patients through definitive diagnosis and treatment, although minimizing the risk of ventilator-induced lung injury. We aimed to determine factors associated with favorable outcomes in patients with (ANCA)-associated vasculitides supported on ECMO. We performed a retrospective observational study using the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry of pediatric and adult patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis supported on ECMO from 2010 to 2020. One hundred thirty-five patients were included for analysis. Many patients had renal involvement (39%) in addition to pulmonary involvement (93%). Survival was 73% in AAV patients supported on ECMO. The presence of pulmonary hemorrhage was not associated with worse outcomes in our cohort. Older age, the use of venoarterial ECMO, ECMO-cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or sustaining a cardiac arrest before ECMO was associated with decreased survival. In conclusion, venovenous ECMO should be considered as a supportive bridge to definitive diagnosis and treatment in (ANCA)-associated vasculitides, regardless if pulmonary hemorrhage is present.

Extracorporeal Life Support for Respiratory Failure in Patients With Electronic Cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury.

OBJECTIVES: Electronic cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury is a clinical entity that can lead to respiratory failure and death. Despite the severity of electronic cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury, the role of extracorporeal life support in its management remains unclear. Our objective was to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with electronic cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury who received extracorporeal life support. DESIGN: We performed a retrospective review of records of electronic cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury patients who received extracorporeal life support. Standardized data were collected via direct contact with extracorporeal life support centers. Data regarding presentation, ventilatory management, extracorporeal life support details, and outcome were analyzed. SETTING: This was a multi-institutional, international case series with patients from 10 different institutions in three different countries. PATIENTS: Patients who met criteria for confirmed electronic cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (based on previously reported diagnostic criteria) and were placed on extracorporeal life support were included. Patients were identified via literature review and by direct contact with extracorporeal life support centers. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Data were collected for 14 patients ranging from 16 to 45 years old. All had confirmed vape use within 3 months of presentation. Nicotine was the most commonly used vaping product. All patients had respiratory symptoms and radiographic evidence of bilateral pulmonary opacities. IV antibiotics and corticosteroids were universally initiated. Patients were intubated for 1.9 days (range, 0-6) prior to extracorporeal life support initiation. Poor oxygenation and ventilation were the most common indications for extracorporeal life support. Five patients showed evidence of ventricular dysfunction on echocardiography. Thirteen patients (93%) were placed on venovenous extracorporeal life support, and one patient required multiple rounds of extracorporeal life support. Total extracorporeal life support duration ranged from 2 to 37 days. Thirteen patients survived to hospital discharge; one patient died of septic shock. CONCLUSIONS: Electronic cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury can cause refractory respiratory failure and hypoxemia. These data suggest that venovenous extracorporeal life support can be an effective treatment option for profound, refractory respiratory failure secondary to electronic cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation outcomes in children with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) may develop refractory respiratory or cardiac failure that warrants consideration for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. The purposes of this study were to describe the use and outcomes of ECMO in pediatric HLH patients, to identify risk factors for hospital mortality and to compare their ECMO use and outcomes to the ECMO population as a whole. METHODS: Pediatric patients (⩽ 18 years) with a diagnosis of HLH in the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) Registry were included. RESULTS: Between 1983 and 2014, data for 30 children with HLH were available in the ELSO registry and all were included in this study. All cases occurred in the last decade. Of the 30 HLH patients, 24 (80%) had a respiratory indication for ECMO and six (20%) had a cardiac indication (of which 4 were E-CPR and 2 cardiac failure). Of the 24 respiratory ECMO patients, 63% were placed on VA ECMO. Compared with all pediatric patients in the ELSO registry during the study period (n=17,007), HLH patients had worse hospital survival (non-HLH 59% vs HLH 30%, p=0.001). In pediatric HLH patients, no pre-ECMO risk factors for mortality were identified. The development of a hemorrhagic complication on ECMO was associated with decreased mortality (p=0.01). Comparing HLH patients with respiratory failure to patients with other immune compromised conditions, the overall survival rate is similar (HLH 38% vs. non-HLH immune compromised 31%, p=0.64). CONCLUSIONS: HLH is an uncommon indication for ECMO and these patients have increased mortality compared to the overall pediatric ECMO population. These data should be factored into decision-making when considering ECMO for pediatric HLH patients.

Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for patients with single-ventricle anatomy: A registry report.

OBJECTIVE: Support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiopulmonary failure is done so with venoarterial cannulation in the majority of children with single-ventricle anatomy. However, there is a growing experience for patients with pure oxygenation/ventilation impairment supported with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. We describe that experience. METHODS: Data were collected from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry for patients with single-ventricle anatomy supported with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation from 1990 to 2012. Descriptive statistics and multivariate analyses for associations with mortality were conducted. RESULTS: A total of 89 patients with single-ventricle anatomy had venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation performed at a median age of 66 days (8-221). Survival to discharge was 48%. Fifty-four patients (61%) had shunt physiology, 22 patients (25%) had cavopulmonary connections, and 13 patients (14%) had single-ventricle anatomy but with no previous cardiac surgery. Indication for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was respiratory failure in 59 patients (63%) and cardiac failure in 30 patients (32%). Double-lumen cannulas were used in 62 patients (70%). Bivariate analysis demonstrated that the duration of intubation before extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, mean airway pressure before cannulation, partial pressure carbon dioxide before cannulation, peak inspiratory pressure before cannulation, pump flow at 24 hours, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation run duration, and presence of renal injury were associated with mortality. Multivariate logistic analysis demonstrated that the duration of intubation (adjusted odds ratio, 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.003-1.016; P = .003), partial pressure carbon dioxide (adjusted odds ratio, 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.068; P = .007), mean airway pressure (adjusted odds ratio, 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-1.342; P = .05), and renal injury (adjusted odds ratio, 6.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.879-23.2; P = .003) were associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with single-ventricle anatomy in respiratory failure may be treated successfully with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, with survival comparable to those treated with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiac failure. Future research on indications for venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation may aid clinicians in deciding the optimal approach for this challenging cohort.

Outcome of Adult Respiratory Failure Patients Receiving Prolonged (≥14 Days) ECMO.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the outcomes of prolonged (≥14 days) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (P-ECMO) for adult severe respiratory failure and to assess characteristics associated with survival. BACKGROUND: The use of ECMO for treatment of severe respiratory adult patients is associated with overall survival rates of 50% to 70% with median ECMO duration of 10 days. No prior multi-institutional studies have examined outcomes of P-ECMO for severe respiratory failure. METHODS: Data on all adult (≥18 years) patients who required P-ECMO for severe respiratory failure from 1989 to 2013 were extracted from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization international multi-institutional registry. We examined outcomes over 23 years and compared the 2 more recent time periods of 1989 to 2006 versus 2007 to 2013. RESULTS: Up to 974 patients, mean age 40.2 (18-83) years, had ECMO duration of mean 25.2 days/median 21.0 days (range: 14-208 days). Venovenous ECMO support was most common (venovenous: 79.5%, venoarterial: 9.9%). Reason for ECMO discontinuation included native lung recovery (54%), organ failure (23.7%), family request (6.7%), hemorrhage (2.7%), and diagnosis incompatible with life (5.6%). Forty patients (4.1%) underwent lung transplant with 50% postoperative in-hospital mortality. Increased prevalence of P-ECMO was noted with 72% (701/974) of all cases reported since 2008. Survival to hospital discharge was 45.4% (443/974) and did not vary with ECMO duration. Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that P-ECMO patients 2007 to 2013 had a lower risk of death [odds ratio (OR): 0.650; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.454-0.929; P = 0.010] compared with 1989 to 2006. Factors independently associated with survival were younger age (OR: 0.983; 95% CI, 0.974-0.993; P < 0.001) and lower PaCO2 (OR, 0.991; 95% CI, 0.986-0.996; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged ECMO use for adult respiratory failure was associated with a lower (45.4%) hospital survival rate, compared with prior reported survival rates of short duration ECMO. Prolonged ECMO survival significantly increased in recent years, and increasing ECMO duration did not alter the survival fraction in the 1989 to 2013 study cohort. Although P-ECMO survival rates are less than short ECMO runs, P-ECMO support is justified.

Neurologic injury in neonates with congenital heart disease during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: an analysis of extracorporeal life support organization registry data.

The aim of this article is to describe the epidemiology and factors associated with acute neurologic injury in neonates with congenital heart disease (CHD) undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). It is a retrospective cohort study. Multi-institutional data for purposes of this study were obtained from the extracorporeal life support organization registry Neonates with CHD supported with ECMO during 2005-2010. Of 1,898 neonates with CHD supported with ECMO, 273 (14%) had neurologic injury. Birth weight less than 3 kg (odds ratio [OR]: 1.5; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.1-1.9), pre-ECMO blood pH ≤ 7.15 (OR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1-2.1) need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation before ECMO (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.5-2.0) increased neurologic injury. In-hospital mortality was higher in patients with neurologic injury compared with those without (73% vs. 53%; p < 0.001). Neonates with CHD undergoing ECMO are highly vulnerable to acute neurologic injury regardless of cardiac lesion-specific physiology or the occurrence of cardiac surgery. The incidence of neurologic injuries in this population is higher in sicker patients. Severity of illness should therefore become the main target for improvement. Timely deployment of ECMO may therefore influence the development of ECMO complications.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in children with heart disease and down syndrome: a multicenter analysis.

The data on the outcomes of children with heart disease and Down syndrome receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for cardiac or respiratory failure are limited. This study aimed to evaluate morbidity and mortality associated with ECMO in children with Down syndrome and heart disease. Children younger than 18 years undergoing heart surgery and ECMO reported in the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) registry (1998-2011) were included in the study. The registry was queried for the following five heart defects: common atrioventricular (AV) canal, tetralogy of Fallot, truncus arteriosus, transposition of great vessels, and interrupted aortic arch. Data collection included patient characteristics, ECMO characteristics, and outcomes. The outcomes evaluated included mortality, ECMO duration, and length of hospital stay for patients with Down syndrome and those with no Down syndrome. The study enrolled 2,815 patients qualified for inclusion. Of these patients, 121 had Down syndrome, whereas 2,694 had no genetic syndrome and were included in the control group. The median age of the patients was 45 days (interquartile range [IQR] 9-192 days), and the median weight was 3.8 kg (IQR 3.0-6.1 kg). The most common cardiac defects in Down syndrome group were common AV canal (63 %) and tetralogy of Fallot (40 %). The Down syndrome group included older patients with greater body weight than the control group. The mortality rate was lower in the Down syndrome group than in the control group (44 vs. 56 %; p = 0.01). The duration of ECMO and length of hospital stay were similar in the two groups. The findings showed that ECMO can be used for children with heart disease and Down syndrome with good results. The outcomes were comparable between the children with Down syndrome and the children without Down syndrome.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Single Ventricle Lesions Palliated Via the Hybrid Approach.

BACKGROUND: Describing outcomes for children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) undergoing hybrid palliation (pulmonary artery band and stent placement in the patent ductus arteriosus) requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support for cardiorespiratory failure. METHODS: We reviewed the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization database for all patients with a diagnosis of an HLHS undergoing hybrid stage 1 palliation supported with ECMO and those patients with hybrid palliation supported with ECMO after comprehensive stage 2 palliation. Patients were identified using a combination of International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision and registry diagnosis and procedure codes. We report survival to hospital discharge and ECMO complications. RESULTS: We identified 44 patients with HLHS requiring ECMO following stage 1 hybrid approach. Median age at cannulation was 13.5 days. Only 16% survived to hospital discharge. In all, 20 (50%) patients had a cardiac arrest prior to going onto ECMO and for 3 (19%) patients, ECMO was initiated during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. CONCLUSIONS: Overall survival for ECMO support in patients with HLHS palliated via the hybrid approach is very poor (16%) and is worse than 31% survival reported for ECMO after conventional stage 1 palliation. The reasons for these poor outcomes require further investigation.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients undergoing superior cavopulmonary anastomosis.

OBJECTIVE: Patients who have undergone the superior cavopulmonary anastomosis (Glenn procedure) have unique cardiopulmonary-cerebral physiology that may limit the success of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Limited data published to date suggest grim morbidity and mortality when ECMO is used. We utilized the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry database to more thoroughly assess outcomes in these patients. METHODS: Data from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry from 1999 to 2012 for children with Glenn physiology aged 3 months to 1 year were retrospectively analyzed. Demographics and ECMO characteristics were compared between survivors and nonsurvivors. Factors associated with mortality were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 103 infants, 42 (41%) survived to hospital discharge. Neurologic complications (eg, seizure, hemorrhage, or embolic stroke) were documented in 23% of patients (24 of 103) and 14% of survivors (6 of 42). In univariate analysis, inotropic requirement before ECMO, duration of ECMO, mechanical complications with the ECMO circuit, renal failure, and pulmonary hemorrhage or pneumothorax were predictors of mortality. In multivariate logistic regression, inotrope requirement (odds ratio [OR], 3.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-9.8), longer duration of ECMO support (OR, 7.2; 95% CI, 1.8-28), combined cardiopulmonary indication for ECMO (OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.4-9.7), and renal failure (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.5-12) were associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality in infants with Glenn physiology supported with ECMO is lower than that previously reported, but the incidence of neurologic injury is high. These data support use of ECMO in patients with Glenn physiology with refractory cardiopulmonary failure.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-supported cardiopulmonary resuscitation following stage 1 palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To report on survival from a large multicenter cohort of neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation after stage 1 palliation operation. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of data from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization data registry (1998 through 2013). We computed the survival to hospital discharge for neonates (age < 30 d) who required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after stage 1 palliation and evaluated factors associated with mortality using multivariate logistic regression analysis. SETTING: Multicenter data reported to Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry. PATIENTS: Infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome after stage 1 palliation who received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: There were 307 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation runs in the setting of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation in 293 neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome following stage 1 palliation operation. The median age at cannulation was 9 days (interquartile range, 5-14 d). Survival to hospital discharge was 36%. In univariate analysis, gestational age, weight, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation duration, presence of air embolism, hemorrhagic complications, renal failure, and pulmonary complications (pulmonary hemorrhage and pneumothorax) were all associated with nonsurvival. In multivariate analysis, lower body weight at cannulation (odds ratio, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.9-8.3), duration of the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (odds ratio, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.9-7.3), and renal failure while on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (odds ratio, 2; 95% CI, 1.2-3.5) increased odds of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality for neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation after stage 1 palliation is high. Lower body weight, increased duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, and renal failure increased mortality.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support among children with adenovirus infection: a review of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry.

Overwhelming adenovirus infection requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support carries a high mortality in pediatric patients. The objective of this study was to retrospectively review data from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) registry for pediatric patients with adenovirus infection and define for this patient cohort: 1) clinical characteristics, 2) survival to hospital discharge, and 3) factors associated with mortality before hospital discharge. In this retrospective registry study, pediatric patients with adenovirus infection requiring ECMO support identified in an international ECMO registry from 1998 to 2009 were compared for clinical characteristics (demographics, pre-ECMO variables, and complications on ECMO) between survivors and nonsurvivors to hospital discharge. Descriptive statistics and univariate and multivariate logistic analysis were used to compare clinical characteristics among survivors and nonsurvivors. For children requiring ECMO support for adenovirus, the survival at hospital discharge is 38% (62/163). Among neonates (<31 days of age), the survival at hospital discharge was only 11% (6/54). Among patient factors, neonatal age (odds ratio [OR], 4.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.62-10.87), a decrease of 0.1 unit in pre-ECMO pH (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.3-2.42), the presence of sepsis (OR, 4.55; 95% CI, 1.47-14.15), and increased peak inspiratory pressures (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08) were all independently associated with in-hospital mortality. ECMO complications independently associated with in-hospital mortality were presence of pneumothorax (OR, 3.57; 95% CI, 1.19-10.7), pH less than 7.2 (OR, 5.94; 95% CI, 1.04-34.1), and central nervous system hemorrhage (OR, 25.36; 95% CI, 1.47-436.7). In this retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients with adenovirus infection supported on ECMO, survival to hospital discharge was 38% but was much lower in neonates. Neonatal presentation, degree of acidosis, sepsis, and increased PIP are factors present before decisions are made regarding a trial of ECMO, whereas pneumothorax and brain hemorrhage were ECMO-related complications independently associated with mortality.

Reducing time on for extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation for adults with H1N1 pneumonia with the use of the Volume Diffusive Respirator.

BACKGROUND: The investigators compared a series of adult survivors of severe H1N1 pneumonia treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) with members of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry for patients with H1N1 with regard to ventilator management while on ECMO. METHODS: Adults who survived ECMO were compared regarding time on ECMO for those treated with the Volume Diffusive Respirator (VDR) or with conventional "lung rest." The VDR delivered 500 percussions/min, with tidal pressures of 24/12 cm H2O and a fraction of inspired oxygen of .4 at 15 beats/min. RESULTS: There were no differences between the study patients (n = 7) and the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization cohort (n = 150) regarding age, pre-ECMO ventilator days, pre-ECMO ratio of partial pressure of oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen, or survival after lung recovery. Patients treated with VDR required ECMO support for a shorter duration (mean, 193.29 ± 35.71 vs 296.63 ± 18.17 hours; P = .029). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the VDR enhanced pulmonary recovery from severe H1N1 pneumonia in adults. Shorter times on ECMO may improve the risk/benefit and cost/benefit ratios associated with ECMO care.

The use of ECMO for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn: a decade of experience.

PURPOSE: Despite improvements in the management of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), a number of infants with inadequate gas exchange are treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The objectives of this study were to use the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry to review the outcomes of neonates with PPHN receiving ECMO, and to identify pre-ECMO variables that may be associated with increased mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study is a retrospective analysis of all patients with PPHN supported with ECMO and reported to the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry from 2000 to 2010. Prematurity was defined as <37 wk gestation. Univariate analysis was performed using Student's t-test or Fisher's exact test. Variables found to be statistically significant underwent multivariate analysis by logistic regression. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated to analyze the relationship between duration of ECMO support and patient survival. RESULTS: A total of 1569 neonates with PPHN received ECMO support during the study period, at an average age of 3.1 d of life and for a duration of 6.9 d. Survival among neonates with PPHN receiving ECMO support was 81%, and those receiving support for 7, 10, 14, and 21 d survived at rates of 88%, 78%, 55%, and 25%, respectively. By logistic regression, prematurity (P < 0.01), pre-ECMO pH ≤7.2 (P = 0.02), pre-ECMO SaO(2) ≤65% (P = 0.01), and duration of ECMO ≥7 d (P < 0.001) were independent predictors of death in this group. An average of 2.2 complications occurred per patient, with cardiovascular, mechanical, and renal complications being the most common. CONCLUSIONS: Neonates with PPHN have high survival rates with ECMO support. Prematurity, acidosis, and profound hypoxemia are independently associated with increased mortality. Furthermore, prolonged ECMO support (>7 d) is associated with a higher risk of mortality in this cohort than in patients supported for <1 wk.

Outcomes of neonates undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support using centrifugal versus roller blood pumps.

BACKGROUND: Advances in centrifugal blood pump technology have led to increased use of centrifugal pumps in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuits. Their efficacy and safety in critically ill neonates remains unknown. Blood cell trauma leading to hemolysis may result in end-organ injury in critically ill neonates receiving centrifugal pump ECMO. We hypothesized that neonates undergoing ECMO support using centrifugal pumps were at increased odds of hemolysis and subsequent end-organ injury. METHODS: Children 30 days of age or younger who received support with venoarterial ECMO and were reported to the Extracorporeal Life Support Registry during 2007 to 2009 underwent propensity score matching (Greedy matching 1:1) using pre-ECMO support characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 1,592 neonates receiving ECMO (centrifugal pump = 163 and roller pump = 1,492) were identified. Significant differences in demographic, presupport, and cannulation variables were present before matching. One hundred seventy-six neonates who were supported using either centrifugal (n = 88) or roller pumps (n = 88) were matched using propensity scoring. No significant differences in demographic, presupport, or cannulation variables were present after matching. Neonates undergoing support using centrifugal pumps had increased odds of hemolysis (odds ratio [OR], 7.7 [2.8-21.2]), hyperbilirubinemia (OR, 20.8 [2.7-160.4]), hypertension (OR, 3.2 [1.3-8.0]), and acute renal failure (OR, 2.4 [1.1-5.6]). Survival to discharge was not different between pump types. CONCLUSIONS: Use of ECMO using centrifugal pumps is associated with increased odds of hemolysis that likely contributes to other end-organ injury. Research into the optimal use of centrifugal pumps and strategies to prevent support-related complications need to be investigated.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after stage 1 palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To report the outcomes from a large multicenter cohort of neonates requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) after stage 1 palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome. METHODS: Using data from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (2000-2009), we computed the survival to hospital discharge for neonates (age ≤30 days) supported with ECMO after stage 1 palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The factors associated with mortality were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Among 738 neonates, the survival rate was 31%. The median age at cannulation was 7 days (interquartile range, 4-11). Black race (odds ratio [OR], 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-3.6), mechanical ventilation before ECMO (>15-131 hours: OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.4; >131 hours: OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.3-2.9), use of positive end expiratory pressure (>6-8 cm H(2)O: OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.7; >8 cm H(2)O: OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2-3.1), and longer ECMO duration (per day, OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.3) increased mortality. ECMO support for failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.02-2.4) also decreased survival. ECMO complications, including renal failure (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2-3.1), inotrope requirement (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.1), myocardial stun (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.3-7.7), metabolic acidosis (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.3-6.7), and neurologic injury (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.6), during support also increased mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality for neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome supported with ECMO after stage 1 palliation is high. Longer ventilation before cannulation, longer support duration, and ECMO complications increased mortality.

Outcomes of neonates requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for irreversible pulmonary dysplasia: the Extracorporeal Life Support Registry experience.

OBJECTIVE: Neonates with an irreversible pulmonary dysplasia such as alveolar capillary dysplasia, surfactant protein deficiency, and pulmonary lymphangiectasis may have a deteriorating clinical course requiring cardiopulmonary support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. These neonates are often difficult to distinguish from those with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. The objective of this study was to identify clinical variables that distinguish infants with irreversible pulmonary dysplasia from those with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn before, and while receiving, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of the Extracorporeal Life Support Registry from 2000 to 2010 was performed. SETTING: A total of 114 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation centers providing data to the Extracorporeal Life Support Registry. PATIENTS: All neonates day of life 0-31 reported to the Extracorporeal Life Support Registry with irreversible pulmonary dysplasia and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn were identified. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patient demographics, pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation variables, and survival were analyzed. Univariate analysis was performed using Student's t test or Fisher's exact test, and variables found to be significant underwent multivariate analysis by logistic regression. Neonates with irreversible pulmonary dysplasia were placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation later (day of life 5.3 vs. 3.0, p = .045) and for a longer duration (11.1 vs. 6.8 days, p < .001) than those with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. Initiation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation at day of life ≥5 (p = .026) and a duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation ≥10 days (p = .003) were independent predictors of irreversible pulmonary dysplasia by multivariate analysis. No differences in demographics, blood gas values, or vascular access were observed. Survival to discharge was significantly lower for neonates with irreversible pulmonary dysplasia (3%) vs. persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (81%, p < .001). CONCLUSION: Although neonates with irreversible pulmonary dysplasia and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn have similar presentations, those with irreversible pulmonary dysplasia require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support later in the perinatal period and for a longer duration. For neonates with a diagnosis of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, irreversible pulmonary dysplasia should be considered when extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is initiated on day of life ≥5 and/or the duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation ≥10 days.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support after the Fontan operation.

OBJECTIVE: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been used to support children with cardiac failure after the Fontan operation. Mortality is high, and causes of mortality remain unclear. We evaluated the in-hospital mortality and factors associated with mortality in these patients. METHODS: Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry data on patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after the Fontan operation from 1987 to 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographics and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation data were compared for survivors and nonsurvivors. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with mortality. RESULTS: Of 230 patients, 81 (35%) survived to hospital discharge. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was more frequent (34% vs 17%, P = .04), and median fraction of inspired oxygen concentration was higher (1 [confidence interval, 0.9-1.0] vs 0.9 [confidence interval, 0.8-1.0], P = .03) before extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in nonsurvivors compared with survivors. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation duration and incidence of complications, including surgical bleeding, neurologic injury, renal failure, inotrope use on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and bloodstream infection, were higher in nonsurvivors compared with survivors (P < .05 for all). In a multivariable model, neurologic injury (odds ratio, 5.18; 95% confidence interval, 1.97-13.61), surgical bleeding (odds ratio, 2.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.22-4.56), and renal failure (odds ratio, 2.81; 95% confidence interval, 1.41-5.59) increased mortality. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation duration of more than 65 hours to 119 hours (odds ratio, 0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.14-0.76) was associated with decreased mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac failure requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after the Fontan operation is associated with high mortality. Complications during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support increase mortality odds. Prompt correction of surgical bleeding when possible may improve survival.

Outcome analysis of neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia treated with venovenous vs venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

PURPOSE: Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) (VA) is used more commonly in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) than venovenous ECMO (VV). We hypothesized that VV may result in comparable outcomes in infants with CDH requiring ECMO. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) database (1991-2006). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to compare VV- and VA-associated mortality. RESULTS: Four thousand one hundred fifteen neonates required ECMO, with an overall mortality rate of 49.6%. Venoarterial ECMO was used in 82% and VV in 18% of neonates. Pre-ECMO inotrope use and complications were equivalent between VA and VV. The mortality rate for VA and VV was 50% and 46%, respectively. After adjusting for birth weight, gestational age, prenatal diagnosis, ethnicity, Apgar scores, pH less than 7.20, Paco(2) greater than 50, requiring high-frequency ventilation, and year of ECMO, there was no difference in mortality between VV vs VA. Renal complications and on-ECMO inotrope use were more common with VV, whereas neurologic complications were more common with VA. The conversion rate from VV to VA was 18%; conversion was associated with a 56% mortality rate. CONCLUSION: The short-term outcomes of VV and VA are comparable. Patients with CDH who fail VV may be predisposed to a worse outcome. Nevertheless, VV offers equal benefit to patients with CDH requiring ECMO while preserving the native carotid.

Extracorporeal life support for support of children with malignancy and respiratory or cardiac failure: The extracorporeal life support experience.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is a means of respiratory and hemodynamic support for patients failing conventional therapies. Children with cancer who develop complications during therapy may require ECLS. METHODS: The extracorporeal life support organization (ELSO) registry was queried for all patients younger than 21 years with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision diagnosis of neoplasm. ELSO centers were also asked whether patients with neoplasms should be offered ECLS. RESULTS: From 1994 to 2007, 107 children met inclusion criteria: 73 with hematologic malignancies and 34 with solid tumors. The median age was 3.71 years. Patients had a total of 112 ECLS runs (five patients had two runs). Patients required ECLS primarily for pulmonary support (n = 86). Median duration of ECLS was 6.1 days. Overall, 62 of 107 patients (58%) died while on ECLS because of irreversible organ failure (n = 37), diagnosis incompatible with life (n = 11), hemorrhage (n = 6), and family request (n = 8). Forty-five of 107 patients (42%) survived ECLS. During the remaining hospitalization, eight patients died resulting in 37 of 107 surviving to hospital discharge (35%). Risk factors for death included lower Po2 before ECLS, higher oxygen index, higher positive end-expiratory pressure, and development of renal or cardiopulmonary complications (p < 0.05). No differences in outcomes were noted in patients with either hematologic malignancies or solid tumors. One hundred eighteen of 133 eligible ECLS centers responded to the questionnaire for an 89% response rate. Among those who responded, 112 of 133 would consider placing a child (95%) with a neoplasm on ECLS. CONCLUSION: Children with cancer and respiratory failure can be offered ECLS with a reasonable expectation for survival. The opinions of the ELSO center suggest that decisions to offer ECLS to a child with malignancy should be made on a case by case basis, with prognosis of the malignancy being an important factor.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to support cardiopulmonary resuscitation in adults.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to support cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has been shown to improve survival in children and adults. We describe outcomes after the use of ECMO to support CPR (E-CPR) in adults using multiinstitutional data from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) registry. METHODS: Patients greater than 18 years of age using ECMO to support CPR (E-CPR) during 1992 to 2007 were extracted from the ELSO registry and analyzed. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety-seven (11% of 2,633 adult ECMO uses) reports of E-CPR use in 295 patients were analyzed. Median age was 52 years (interquartile range [IQR], 35, 64) and most patients had cardiac disease (n = 221; 75%). Survival to hospital discharge was 27%. Brain death occurred in 61 (28%) of nonsurvivors. In a multivariate logistic regression model, pre-ECMO factors including a diagnosis of acute myocarditis (odds ratio [OR]: 0.18; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.05 to 0.69) compared with noncardiac diagnoses and use of percutaneous cannulation technique (OR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.87) lowered odds of mortality, whereas a lower pre-ECMO arterial blood partial pressure of oxygen (Pao(2)) less than 70 mm Hg (OR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.21 to 6.07) compared with a Pao(2)of 149 mm Hg or greater increased odds of mortality. The need for renal replacement therapy during ECMO increased odds of mortality (OR: 2.41; 95% CI: 1.34 to 4.34). CONCLUSIONS: The use of E-CPR was associated with survival in 27% of adults with cardiac arrest facing imminent mortality. Further studies are warranted to evaluate and better define patients who may benefit from E-CPR.