Carbon monoxide poisoning and phototherapy.

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a leading cause of poison-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. By binding to hemoglobin and other heme-containing proteins, CO reduces oxygen delivery and produces tissue damage. Prompt treatment of CO-poisoned patients is necessary to prevent acute and long-term complications. Oxygen therapy is the only available treatment. Visible light has been shown to selectively dissociate CO from hemoglobin with high efficiency without affecting oxygen affinity. Pulmonary phototherapy has been shown to accelerate the rate of CO elimination in CO poisoned mice and rats when applied directly to the lungs or via intra-esophageal or intra-pleural optical fibers. The extracorporeal removal of CO using a membrane oxygenator with optimal characteristic for blood exposure to light has been shown to accelerate the rate of CO illumination in rats with or without lung injury and in pigs. The development of non-invasive techniques to apply pulmonary phototherapy and the development of a compact, highly efficient membrane oxygenator for the extracorporeal removal of CO in humans may provide a significant advance in the treatment of CO poisoning.

Treatment of Candida auris during extracorporeal life support: A case report.

With rates of ECMO utilization on the rise, prevention of nosocomial infections is of paramount importance. Candida auris, an emerging highly pathogenic multidrug resistant fungus, is of particular concern as it is associated with persistent colonization of environmental surfaces, inability to be recognized by many diagnostic platforms, inconsistent laboratory susceptibility results, and high mortality rates. We describe a case of C. auris in a VV-ECMO patient successfully managed with a combination of anidulafungin, amphotericin B, and flucytosine.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment for severe asthma had unexpected adverse effects: a case report.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory ailment, affects millions worldwide. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has gained traction as a life-saving intervention for patients with severe asthma who are unresponsive to conventional treatments. However, complications associated with ECMO, including electrolyte imbalances and hemorrhage, can have significant clinical implications. This case report highlights a 49 years-old male patient with severe asthma who developed pronounced hypokalemia and hemorrhage following venovenous ECMO (VVECMO) therapy. Despite potassium supplementation, serum potassium levels continued declining before normalizing after 24 h. The patient subsequently experienced gastrointestinal bleeding, cerebral hemorrhage, and extensive cerebral infarction, ultimately resulting in a deep coma. Hypokalemia during ECMO therapy can result from a rapid reduction of carbon dioxide, ß-receptor agonist use, corticosteroid use, and diuretic administration. Hemorrhage is another common ECMO complication, often linked to heparin anticoagulation therapy. Clinicians should be aware of potential complications and adopt appropriate prevention and management strategies when using ECMO in patients with severe asthma.

Terapia medico nutricional en pacientes que reciben terapia de oxigenación por membrana extracorpórea: conocimiento en progreso / Medical nutrition therapy in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: knowledge in progress

Resumen El soporte nutricional (SN) en pacientes adultos que reciben terapia de oxigenación por membrana extracorpórea (ECMO, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) es controvertido. Si bien existen guías para el SN en pacientes pediátricos con ECMO, en adultos no se cuenta con estos lineamientos para el uso, tipo, ruta y momento de la terapia nutricional. En pacientes críticamente enfermos es bien sabido que la nutrición enteral (NE) temprana es beneficiosa, no obstante existe la posibilidad de que en pacientes con ECMO la NE temprana condicione complicaciones gastrointestinales. Asimismo, no se han establecido metas calóricas, proteicas y dosis o tipos de micronutrimentos que usar para esta población en específico, siendo un reto para el clínico encargado de brindar el SN. Aunado a esto los pacientes con ECMO son algunos de los más gravemente enfermos en las unidades de cuidados intensivos, donde la desnutrición se asocia con una mayor morbilidad y mortalidad. En cuanto al uso de nutrición parenteral (NP), no se tiene descrito si implica riesgo de falla en el circuito al momento de introducir lípidos al oxigenador. Por lo anterior es imperativa una correcta evaluación e intervención nutricional específica, realizada por expertos en el tema para mejorar el pronóstico y la calidad de vida en esta población, siendo un objetivo primordial en los cuidados de los pacientes adultos que reciben terapia de ECMO.

Abstract Nutritional support in adult patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy is controversial. Although there are guidelines for the NS (Nutritional support) in pediatric patients with ECMO, in adults these guidelines are not available for the use, type, route and timing of nutritional therapy. In critically ill patients it is well known that early enteral nutrition is beneficial, however there is the possibility that in patients with ECMO early enteral nutrition leads to gastrointestinal complications. Likewise, there have not been established caloric targets, proteins and doses or types of micronutrients to use for this specific population being a challenge for the clinician. In addition, patients with ECMO are some of the most seriously ill in intensive care units, where malnutrition is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Regarding the use of parenteral nutrition (NP) it has not been described if it implies a risk of circuit failure at the time of introducing lipids to the oxygenator. Therefore, a correct evaluation and specific nutritional intervention by experts in the field is imperative to improve the prognosis and quality of life in this population, which is a primary goal in the care of adult patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygen.

Design Optimization of a Phototherapy Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenator for Treating Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.

We designed a photo-ECMO device to speed up the rate of carbon monoxide (CO) removal by using visible light to dissociate CO from hemoglobin (Hb). Using computational fluid dynamics, fillets of different radii (5 cm and 10 cm) were applied to the square shape of a photo-ECMO device to reduce stagnant blood flow regions and increase the treated blood volume while being constrained by full light penetration. The blood flow at different flow rates and the thermal load imposed by forty external light sources at 623 nm were modeled using the Navier-Stokes and convection-diffusion equations. The particle residence times were also analyzed to determine the time the blood remained in the device. There was a reduction in the blood flow stagnation as the fillet radii increased. The maximum temperature change for all the geometries was below 4 °C. The optimized device with a fillet radius of 5 cm and a blood priming volume of up to 208 cm3 should decrease the time needed to treat CO poisoning without exceeding the critical threshold for protein denaturation. This technology has the potential to decrease the time for CO removal when treating patients with CO poisoning and pulmonary gas exchange inhibition.

Severe hypocalcemia after denosumab treatment leading to refractory ventricular tachycardia and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Severe hypocalcemia may lead to life-threatening arrhythmias. Denosumab is an effective treatment for osteoporosis that allows long intervals between doses. However, there is a risk of hypocalcemia in some patients. Due to the long half-life of denosumab, emergency physicians caring for patients presenting with symptoms of hypocalcemia may not be aware of the medication, and adverse effects may last longer. CASE PRESENTATION: A 55-year-old woman with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and anxiety disorder called for an ambulance for symptoms of hyperventilation and muscle cramps. After evaluation at the local hospital, she developed pulseless ventricular tachycardia and was resuscitated by defibrillation by the hospital staff. After conversion to sinus rhythm, she was transported to a tertiary center. Upon arrival, pulseless ventricular tachycardia occurred again, and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) were implemented. Laboratory results showed severe hypocalcemia (corrected calcium level of 5.3 mg/dL) whereupon intravenous calcium supplementation was started. She had received the first dose of denosumab (60 mg) by subcutaneous injection 24 days prior to hospitalization. She was eventually weaned from ECMO and IABP support. CONCLUSION: Cardiac arrest due to hypocalcemia is relatively rare but can be fatal. In the present case, hyperventilation may have acutely exacerbated pre-existing hypocalcemia, leading to ventricular tachycardia. The patient had a slightly decreased serum calcium level prior to denosumab. Close monitoring may be preferable after the primary dose of denosumab in selected patients. Emergency physicians caring for patients who may be suffering from symptoms/signs of hypocalcemia must be mindful of medications that have long half-lives and affect electrolyte balance when treating fatal arrhythmia due to hypocalcemia.

Medical nutrition therapy in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: knowledge in progress.

Nutritional support in adult patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy is controversial. Although there are guidelines for the NS (Nutritional support) in pediatric patients with ECMO, in adults these guidelines are not available for the use, type, route and timing of nutritional therapy. In critically ill patients it is well known that early enteral nutrition is beneficial, however there is the possibility that in patients with ECMO early enteral nutrition leads to gastrointestinal complications. Likewise, there have not been established caloric targets, proteins and doses or types of micronutrients to use for this specific population being a challenge for the clinician. In addition, patients with ECMO are some of the most seriously ill in intensive care units, where malnutrition is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Regarding the use of parenteral nutrition (NP) it has not been described if it implies a risk of circuit failure at the time of introducing lipids to the oxygenator. Therefore, a correct evaluation and specific nutritional intervention by experts in the field is imperative to improve the prognosis and quality of life in this population, which is a primary goal in the care of adult patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygen.

El soporte nutricional (SN) en pacientes adultos que reciben terapia de oxigenación por membrana extracorpórea (ECMO, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) es controvertido. Si bien existen guías para el SN en pacientes pediátricos con ECMO, en adultos no se cuenta con estos lineamientos para el uso, tipo, ruta y momento de la terapia nutricional. En pacientes críticamente enfermos es bien sabido que la nutrición enteral (NE) temprana es beneficiosa, no obstante existe la posibilidad de que en pacientes con ECMO la NE temprana condicione complicaciones gastrointestinales. Asimismo, no se han establecido metas calóricas, proteicas y dosis o tipos de micronutrimentos que usar para esta población en específico, siendo un reto para el clínico encargado de brindar el SN. Aunado a esto los pacientes con ECMO son algunos de los más gravemente enfermos en las unidades de cuidados intensivos, donde la desnutrición se asocia con una mayor morbilidad y mortalidad. En cuanto al uso de nutrición parenteral (NP), no se tiene descrito si implica riesgo de falla en el circuito al momento de introducir lípidos al oxigenador. Por lo anterior es imperativa una correcta evaluación e intervención nutricional específica, realizada por expertos en el tema para mejorar el pronóstico y la calidad de vida en esta población, siendo un objetivo primordial en los cuidados de los pacientes adultos que reciben terapia de ECMO.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenators with light-diffusing fibers for treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning: Experiments, mathematical modeling, and performance assessment with unit cells.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Approximately 50,000 emergency department visits per year due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning occur in the United States alone. Tissue hypoxia can occur at very low CO concentration exposures because CO binds with a 250-fold higher affinity than oxygen to hemoglobin. The most effective therapy is 100% hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) respiration. However, there are only a limited number of cases with ready accessibility to the specialized HBO chambers. In previous studies, we developed an extracorporeal veno-venous membrane oxygenator that facilitates exposure of blood to an external visible light source to photo-dissociate carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) and significantly increase CO removal from CO-poisoned blood (photo-extracorporeal veno-venous membrane oxygenator [p-ECMO]). One objective of this study was to describe in vitro experiments with different laser wavelength sources to compare CO elimination rates in a small unit-cell ECMO device integrated with a light-diffusing optical fiber. A second objective was to develop a mathematical model that predicts CO elimination rates in the unit-cell p-ECMO  device design upon which larger devices can be based. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two small unit-cell p-ECMO devices consisted of a plastic capillary with a length and inside diameter of 10 cm and 1.15 mm, respectively. Either five (4-1 device) or seven (6-1 device) gas exchange tubes were placed in the plastic capillary and a light-diffusing fiber was inserted into one of the gas exchange tubes. Light from lasers emitting either 635 nm or 465 nm wavelengths was coupled into the light-diffusing fiber as oxygen flowed through the gas exchange membranes. To assess the ability of the device to remove CO from blood in vitro, the percent COHb reduction in a single pass through the device was assessed with and without light. The Navier Stokes equations, Carreau-Yesuda model, Boltzman equation for light distribution, and hemoglobin kinetic rate equations, including photo-dissociation, were combined in a mathematical model to predict COHb elimination in the experiments. RESULTS: For the unit-cell devices, the COHb removal rate increases with increased 635 nm laser power, increased blood time in the device, and greater gas exchange membrane surface-to-blood volume ratio. The 6-1 device COHb half-life versus that of the 4-1 device with 4 W at 635 nm light was 1.5 min versus 4.25 min, respectively. At 1 W laser power, 635 nm and 465 nm exhibited similar CO removal rates. The COHb half-life times of the 6-1 device were 1.25, 2.67, and 8.5 min at 635 nm (4 W), 465 nm (1 W), and 100% oxygen only, respectively. The mathematical model predicted the experimental results. An analysis of the in vivo COHb half-life of oxygen respiration therapy versus an adjunct therapy with a p-ECMO device and oxygen respiration shows a reduction from 90 min to as low as 10 min, depending on the device design. CONCLUSION: In this study, we experimentally studied and developed a mathematical model of a small unit-cell ECMO device integrated with a light-diffusing fiber illuminated with laser light. The unit-cell device forms the basis for a larger device and, in an adjunct therapy with oxygen respiration, has the potential to remove COHb at much higher rates than oxygen therapy alone. The mathematical model can be used to optimize the design in practical implementations to quickly and efficiently remove CO from CO-poisoned blood.

Optical, flow, and thermal analysis of a phototherapy extracorporeal membrane oxygenator for treating carbon monoxide poisoning.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenators (ECMO) are currently utilized to mechanically ventilate blood when lung or lung and heart function are impaired, like in cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS can be caused by severe cases of carbon monoxide (CO) inhalation, which is the leading cause of poison-related deaths in the United States. ECMOs can be further optimized for severe CO inhalation using visible light to photo-dissociate CO from hemoglobin (Hb). In previous studies, we combined phototherapy with an ECMO to design a photo-ECMO device, which significantly increased CO elimination and improved survival in CO-poisoned animal models using light at 460, 523, and 620 nm wavelengths. Light at 620 nm was the most effective in removing CO. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to analyze the light propagation at 460, 523, and 620 nm wavelengths and the 3D blood flow and heating distribution within the photo-ECMO device that increased CO elimination in CO-poisoned animal models. METHODS: Light propagation, blood flow dynamics, and heat diffusion were modeled using the Monte Carlo method and the laminar Navier-Stokes and heat diffusion equations, respectively. RESULTS: Light at 620 nm propagated through the device blood compartment (4 mm), while light at 460 and 523 nm only penetrated 48% to 50% (~2 mm). The blood flow velocity in the blood compartment varied with regions of high (5 mm/s) and low (1 mm/s) velocity, including stagnant flow. The blood temperatures at the device outlet for 460, 523, and 620 nm wavelengths were approximately 26.7°C, 27.4°C, and 20°C, respectively. However, the maximum temperatures within the blood treatment compartment rose to approximately 71°C, 77°C, and 21°C, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: As the extent of light propagation correlates with efficiency in photodissociation, the light at 620 nm is the optimal wavelength for removing CO from Hb while maintaining blood temperatures below thermal damage. Measuring the inlet and outlet blood temperatures is not enough to avoid unintentional thermal damage by light irradiation. Computational models can help eliminate risks of excessive heating and improve device development by analyzing design modifications that improve blood flow, like suppressing stagnant flow, further increasing the rate of CO elimination.

Medical nutrition therapy in patients receiving ECMO: Evidence-based guidance for clinical practice.

Patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) inherit substantial disease-associated metabolic, endocrinologic, and immunologic modifications. Along with the technical components of ECMO, the aforementioned alterations may affect patients' needs and feasibility of adequate macronutrient and micronutrient supply and intake. Thus, patients receiving ECMO are at increased risk for iatrogenic malnutrition and require targeted individual medical nutrition therapy (MNT). However, specific recommendations for MNT in patients receiving ECMO are limited and, with some exceptions, based on an evidence base encompassing general patients who are critically ill. Consequently, clinician decision-making for MNT in patients receiving ECMO is unguided, which may further increase nutrition risk, culminating in iatrogenic malnutrition and ultimately affecting patient outcomes. The purpose of this article is to provide educational background and highlight specific points for MNT in adult patients receiving ECMO, which might serve as evidence-based guidance to develop institutional standard operating procedures and nutrition protocols for daily clinical practice.

Venous-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for patients poisoned by Macleaya cordata.

Macleaya cordata is a Chinese herbal medicine containing a variety of highly cardiotoxic alkaloids, and might result in cardiac failure. Venous-arterial Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) could be used as a therapeutic option in patients poisoned by Macleaya cordata complicating refractory cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest. A 60-year-old man suffered from severe arrhythmia, cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest after consuming Macleaya cordata. The patient received VA-ECMO support in the emergency department at 5 hours after hospitalization, and was weaned from VA-ECMO on day 4, and was discharged with complete clinical improvement on Day 12. VA-ECMO is an effective method in treating cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest induced by severe poisoning from Chinese herbal medicine. Timely and appropriate interventions with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation devices could improve clinical outcomes in these patients.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation-First Strategy for Acute Life-Threatening Pulmonary Embolism.

Background: Both venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) and percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT) are increasingly used to treat acute life-threatening pulmonary embolism (PE). However, there are little data regarding their effectiveness. This study aimed to present the short-term outcomes after managing nine patients with acute life-threatening massive or submassive PE by VA-ECMO with or without complemented PMT and propose a preliminary treatment algorithm. Methods: This study was a single-center retrospective review of a prospectively maintained registry. It included nine consecutive patients with massive or submassive pulmonary embolism who underwent VA-ECMO for initial hemodynamic stabilization, with or without PMT, from August 2018 to November 2021. Results: Mean patient age was 54.7 years. Four of nine patients (44.4%) required cardiopulmonary resuscitation before or during VA-ECMO cannulation. All cannulations (100%) were successfully performed percutaneously. Overall survival was 88.9% (8 of 9 patients). One patient died from a hemorrhagic stroke. Of the survivors, the median ECMO duration was 8 days in patients treated with ECMO alone and 4 days in those treated with EMCO and PMT. Five of nine patients (55.6%) required concomitant PMT to address persistent right heart dysfunction, with the remaining survivors (44.4%) receiving VA-ECMO and anticoagulation alone. For survivors receiving VA-ECMO plus PMT, median hospital lengths of stay were 7 and 13 days, respectively. Conclusions: An ECMO-first strategy complemented with PMT can be performed effectively and safely for acute life-threatening massive or submassive PE. VA-ECMO is feasible for initial stabilization, serving as a bridge to therapy primarily in inoperable patients with massive PE. Further evaluation in a larger cohort of patients is warranted to assess whether VA-ECMO plus PMT may offer an alternative or complementary therapy to thrombolysis or surgical thrombectomy. Type of Research: Single-center retrospective review of a prospectively maintained registry.

Veno-venous extracorporeal blood phototherapy increases the rate of carbon monoxide (CO) elimination in CO-poisoned pigs.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Carbon monoxide (CO) inhalation is the leading cause of poison-related deaths in the United States. CO binds to hemoglobin (Hb), displaces oxygen, and reduces oxygen delivery to tissues. The optimal treatment for CO poisoning in patients with normal lung function is the administration of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO). However, hyperbaric chambers are only available in medical centers with specialized equipment, resulting in delayed therapy. Visible light dissociates CO from Hb with minimal effect on oxygen binding. In a previous study, we combined a membrane oxygenator with phototherapy at 623 nm to produce a "mini" photo-ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) device, which improved CO elimination and survival in CO-poisoned rats. The objective of this study was to develop a larger photo-ECMO device ("maxi" photo-ECMO) and to test its ability to remove CO from a porcine model of CO poisoning. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: The "maxi" photo-ECMO device and the photo-ECMO system (six maxi photo-ECMO devices assembled in parallel), were tested in an in vitro circuit of CO poisoning. To assess the ability of the photo-ECMO device and the photo-ECMO system to remove CO from CO-poisoned blood in vitro, the half-life of COHb (COHb-t1/2 ), as well as the percent COHb reduction in a single blood pass through the device, were assessed. In the in vivo studies, we assessed the COHb-t1/2 in a CO-poisoned pig under three conditions: (1) While the pig breathed 100% oxygen through the endotracheal tube; (2) while the pig was connected to the photo-ECMO system with no light exposure; and (3) while the pig was connected to the photo-ECMO system, which was exposed to red light. RESULTS: The photo-ECMO device was able to fully oxygenate the blood after a single pass through the device. Compared to ventilation with 100% oxygen alone, illumination with red light together with 100% oxygen was twice as efficient in removing CO from blood. Changes in gas flow rates did not alter CO elimination in one pass through the device. Increases in irradiance up to 214 mW/cm2 were associated with an increased rate of CO elimination. The photo-ECMO device was effective over a range of blood flow rates and with higher blood flow rates, more CO was eliminated. A photo-ECMO system composed of six photo-ECMO devices removed CO faster from CO-poisoned blood than a single photo-ECMO device. In a CO-poisoned pig, the photo-ECMO system increased the rate of CO elimination without significantly increasing the animal's body temperature or causing hemodynamic instability. CONCLUSION: In this study, we developed a photo-ECMO system and demonstrated its ability to remove CO from CO-poisoned 45-kg pigs. Technical modifications of the photo-ECMO system, including the development of a compact, portable device, will permit treatment of patients with CO poisoning at the scene of their poisoning, during transit to a local emergency room, and in hospitals that lack HBO facilities.

Nurses' experience of patient care using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an advanced form of temporary life support, to aid respiratory and/or cardiac function, which diverts venous blood through an extracorporeal circuit and returns it to the body after gas exchange through a semipermeable membrane. It may be used for oxygenation, carbon dioxide removal, and hemodynamic support. ECMO has been available to patients in Iran for only about 4 years. Because nurses do not widely use ECMO in Intensive Care Units (ICUs), for many it is still a unique experience and more needs to be understood about that experience in order to support nurses in that role. AIM: This study aimed to explore Iranian nurses' experience of caring for patients receiving ECMO. METHODS: This interpretive phenomenological study was conducted in Iran in 2019. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Farsi to collect data from 18 nurses who had cared for patients receiving ECMO. The interviews continued until data saturation, and thematic analysis of the interview transcripts was undertaken. RESULTS: Following thematic analysis, three main themes of "running on a suspension bridge," "sense of duality," and "bewilderment in the mirage of hope," and with seven sub-themes, emerged. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, it is proposed that caring for patients receiving ECMO is a source of emotional turmoil for nurses. Nurses are constantly thinking about whether their patients receiving ECMO are recovering or dying, and the nature of this care may lead to stress and burnout. Therefore, it is recommended that these nurses receive counselling and psychological support. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurses are able to provide comprehensive and holistic patient care when they enjoy good physical and mental health themselves. To prevent distress in nurses and to provide safe care for the patient receiving ECMO, provision of psychological support for these nurses is recommended.

Hyperbaric phototherapy augments blood carbon monoxide removal.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is responsible for nearly 50,000 emergency department visits and 1200 deaths per year. Compared to oxygen, CO has a 250-fold higher affinity for hemoglobin (Hb), resulting in the displacement of oxygen from Hb and impaired oxygen delivery to tissues. Optimal treatment of CO-poisoned patients involves the administration of hyperbaric 100% oxygen to remove CO from Hb and to restore oxygen delivery. However, hyperbaric chambers are not widely available and this treatment requires transporting a CO-poisoned patient to a specialized center, which can result in delayed treatment. Visible light is known to dissociate CO from carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). In a previous study, we showed that a system composed of six photo-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) devices efficiently removes CO from a large animal with CO poisoning. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the application of hyperbaric oxygen to the photo-ECMO device would further increase the rate of CO elimination. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIAL AND METHODS: We developed a hyperbaric photo-ECMO device and assessed the ability of the device to remove CO from CO-poisoned human blood. We combined four devices into a "hyperbaric photo-ECMO system" and compared its ability to remove CO to our previously described photo-ECMO system, which was composed of six devices ventilated with normobaric oxygen. RESULTS: Under normobaric conditions, an increase in oxygen concentration from 21% to 100% significantly increased CO elimination from CO-poisoned blood after a single pass through the device. Increased oxygen pressure within the photo-ECMO device was associated with higher exiting blood PO2 levels and increased CO elimination. The system of four hyperbaric photo-ECMO devices removed CO from 1 L of CO-poisoned blood as quickly as the original, normobaric photo-ECMO system composed of six devices. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the feasibility and efficacy of using a hyperbaric photo-ECMO system to increase the rate of CO elimination from CO-poisoned blood. This technology could provide a simple portable emergency device and facilitate immediate treatment of CO-poisoned patients at or near the site of injury.

Carnitine deficiency among hospitalized pediatric patients: A retrospective study of critically ill patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy.

BACKGROUND: The metabolic demands associated with critical illness place patients at risk for nutrition deficits. Carnitine is a small molecule essential for fatty acid oxidation and gluconeogenesis. Secondary carnitine deficiency can have clinically significant complications and has been observed anecdotally in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy at our institution. Guidelines for monitoring and supplementing carnitine are lacking. This retrospective study determined whether critically ill pediatric patients receiving ECMO have an increased risk of carnitine deficiency. METHODS: Acylcarnitine analysis was performed on residual specimens from patients who received ECMO therapy. The control data were a convenience sample gathered by chart review of patients who had been tested for carnitine during a hospitalization. RESULTS: Acylcarnitines were measured in 217 non-ECMO patients and 81 ECMO patients. Carnitine deficiency, based on age-specific reference ranges, was observed in 41% of ECMO cases compared with 21% of non-ECMO cases. Multivariable analysis of age-matched patients identified that the odds of carnitine deficiency were significantly lower among patients on the floor compared with ECMO patients (odds ratio, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.10-0.44). Age-specific frequency of qualitative carnitine deficiency ranged from 15% (patients >5 years old) to 56% (patients 1 week to 1 month old) in ECMO patients and 15% (patients >5 years old) to 34% (patients 1-5 years old) in non-ECMO patients. CONCLUSION: In this study, ECMO patients were carnitine deficient more frequently compared with other inpatients, with the highest rates of deficiency among ECMO patients between 1 week and 1 month old.

[A case of decompression sickness complicated with multiple organ failure treated by hyperbaric oxygen therapy sequential with continuous renal replacement therapy and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation].

Objective: To discuss the new idea of on-the-spot recompression treatment and multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) for patients with unstable vital signs of type II decompression sickness. To provide reference for the nearby treatment of patients with critical decompression sickness. Methods: The clinical data of a case of a multi-disciplinary collaborative treatment of type II decompression sickness complicated with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) admitted to a third-class A hospital in January 2020 were analyzed and summarized. Results: The patient suffered from consciousness disturbance and shock after 3 min of diver's blow-up out of the water. CT examination showed gas accumulation in the systemic multi-organ venous system, and laboratory examination suggested MODS. The oxygen inhalation regimen was given in the session of recompression treatmen by 0.12-0.18 MPa. Intravenous fluid was the total of 8900 ml in the session, and the total recompression treatment time was 9 h 45 min. The patient was still in unconscious when he finished the session. CT re-examination confirmed the elimination of venous bubbles, and laboratory examination indicated multiple organ failure (MOF) . The patient was given comprehensive supporting treatment by mechanical assisted breathing and following by continuons renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and extrocorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the intensive care unit, and was discharged after 32 d of hospitalization. Conclusion: Critical decompression sickness patients with unstable vital signs are taken to a local general hospital with hyperbaric oxygen chamber and intensive care unit. The successful treatment can be achieved by organizing diving medicine, hyperbaric oxygen medicine and critical medical personnel for MDT.

Targeted high volume hemofiltration could avoid extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in some patients with severe Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) has a high lethality. Severe cases may be rescued by venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO), alongside substantial complications. High volume hemofiltration (HVHF) is a depurative technique that provides homeostatic balance allowing hemodynamic stabilization in some critically ill patients. METHODS: We implemented HVHF before VA ECMO consideration in the last five severe HCPS patients requiring mechanical ventilation and vasoactive drugs admitted to our intensive care unit. Patients were considered HVHF-responders if VA ECMO was avoided and HVHF-nonresponders if VA ECMO support was needed despite HVHF. A targeted-HVHF strategy compounded by aggressive hyperoncotic albumin, sodium bicarbonate, and calcium supplementation plus ultrafiltration to avoid fluid overload was implemented on three patients. RESULTS: Patients had maximum serum lactate of 8.8 (8.7-12.8) mmol/L and a lowest cardiac index of 1.8 (1.8-1.9) L/min/m2 . The first two required VA ECMO. They were connected later to HVHF, displayed progressive tachycardia and declining stroke volume. The opposite was true for HVHF-responders who received targeted-HVHF. All patients survived, but one of the VA ECMO patients suffered a vascular complication. CONCLUSION: HVHF may contribute to support severe HCPS patients avoiding the need for VA ECMO in some. Early connection and targeted-HVHF may increase the chance of success.

ECMO-assisted resection of left main bronchial malignant tumor and left pneumonectomy with comprehensive nursing support: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) undergoing primary bronchial malignancy resection and left pneumonectomy via bilateral thoracic approach are rare for there exist few reports available to date. And the nursing experience about this disease is rare reported. CASE PRESENTATION: This study reported a 50-year-old man with adenoid cystic carcinoma in left main bronchus by computed tomography (CT), fiberoptic bronchoscopy, and puncture biopsy. The case is the first report about operation method and the comprehensive nursing care, including conventional nursing, airway management, fluid management, nutritional support, and psychosocial support for patients undergoing primary bronchial malignancy resection and left pneumonectomy. After multidisciplinary treatment and comprehensive care, the patient was cured and discharged on the 17th day after surgery. CONCLUSION: This study reported a rare case with bronchial malignancy resection and left pneumonectomy and discussed its nursing care. A skilled management of ECMO, intraoperative position transformation, and prevention, as well as control of pulmonary complications are fundamental in caring patients with bronchial tumors. Monitoring of pulmonary function and blood pressure, adequate nutrition, and psychological support could be contributing factors for successful treatment during the postoperative stage.

Accidental hypothermic cardiac arrest and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Accidental hypothermic cardiac arrest, an involuntary drop in core body temperature resulting in cardiopulmonary arrest, is linked to 1500 deaths annually. We highlight the challenges with the treatment of accidental hypothermic cardiac arrest and describe improved preparations necessary for an integrated health system to care for similar patients. CASE REPORT: Emergency medical services (EMS) were dispatched to a 34-year-old female who had been missing for several hours during a January snowfall. The patient was found unconscious over an embankment. The patient was found with a weak carotid pulse and two empty bottles of clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic. The EMS crew extricated the patient, performed a rapid trauma assessment, passive rewarming, and airway management. During transport, the patient suffered a ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest, received defibrillation, and advanced life support measures. Resuscitative efforts continued in the emergency department while the treatment team addressed environmental exposure, assessed for traumatic injury and toxicologic exposure. On emergency department (ED) arrival, the patient's core temperature was 24°C, and despite aggressive resuscitation, the patient remained in cardiac arrest. The ED care team used extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO) and successfully resuscitated the patient with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The patient achieved full neurologic recovery 15 days post-ED arrival. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the importance of early recognition of accidental hypothermic cardiac arrest by EMS clinicians, rapid transport to a tertiary facility, and the timely application of active rewarming and in-hospital ECMO. Accidental hypothermic cardiac arrest is a reversible state; prompt and correct treatment allows for a high probability of a favorable neurologic outcome.