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

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

Executive Summary: The Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Anticoagulation CollaborativE (PEACE) Consensus Conference.

OBJECTIVES: To present recommendations and consensus statements with supporting literature for the clinical management of neonates and children supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) from the Pediatric ECMO Anticoagulation CollaborativE (PEACE) consensus conference. DATA SOURCES: Systematic review was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) databases from January 1988 to May 2021, followed by serial meetings of international, interprofessional experts in the management ECMO for critically ill children. STUDY SELECTION: The management of ECMO anticoagulation for critically ill children. DATA EXTRACTION: Within each of eight subgroup, two authors reviewed all citations independently, with a third independent reviewer resolving any conflicts. DATA SYNTHESIS: A systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases, from January 1988 to May 2021. Each panel developed evidence-based and, when evidence was insufficient, expert-based statements for the clinical management of anticoagulation for children supported with ECMO. These statements were reviewed and ratified by 48 PEACE experts. Consensus was obtained using the Research and Development/UCLA Appropriateness Method. Results were summarized using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation method. We developed 23 recommendations, 52 expert consensus statements, and 16 good practice statements covering the management of ECMO anticoagulation in three broad categories: general care and monitoring; perioperative care; and nonprocedural bleeding or thrombosis. Gaps in knowledge and research priorities were identified, along with three research focused good practice statements. CONCLUSIONS: The 91 statements focused on clinical care will form the basis for standardization and future clinical trials.

The Influence of the Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Circuit and Components on Anticoagulation Management: The Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Anticoagulation CollaborativE Consensus Conference.

OBJECTIVES: To derive systematic-review informed, modified Delphi consensus regarding the influence of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuit components on anticoagulation practices for pediatric ECMO for the Pediatric ECMO Anticoagulation CollaborativE. DATA SOURCES: A structured literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) databases from January 1988 to May 2021. STUDY SELECTION: Management of ECMO anticoagulation in the setting of different ECMO circuit components. DATA EXTRACTION: Two authors reviewed all citations independently, with a third independent reviewer resolving conflicts. Twenty-nine references were used for data extraction and informed recommendations, evidence-based consensus statements, and good practice statements. Evidence tables were constructed using a standardized data extraction form. DATA SYNTHESIS: Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. The evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Forty-eight experts met over 2 years to develop evidence-based recommendations and, when evidence was lacking, expert-based consensus statements or good practice statements for the influence of ECMO circuit and components on anticoagulation management. A web-based modified Delphi process was used to build consensus via the Research And Development/University of California Appropriateness Method. Consensus was defined as greater than 80% agreement. One good practice statement, 2 weak recommendations, and 2 consensus statements are presented. CONCLUSIONS: The incorporation of new component technologies into clinical practice has outpaced clinical investigations of anticoagulation strategies for pediatric ECMO. Future investigations should leverage academic and industrial collaborations, translational platforms, and modern biostatistical methods to improve patient outcomes.

Successful Use of Intravenous Methylnaltrexone for Opioid-Induced Constipation in Critically Ill Pediatric Patients.

Objectives Methylnaltrexone is U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved as a subcutaneous injection for adults with opioid-induced constipation (OIC). Case series have described the use of methylnaltrexone for OIC in the pediatric oncology population. There are limited data describing its intravenous use in critically ill pediatric patients. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational study at St. Louis Children's Hospital. Patients less than 18 years old who received at least one dose of intravenous methylnaltrexone while admitted to an intensive care unit between January 2016 and August 2019 were included. The primary outcome was documented laxation within 24 hours of methylnaltrexone administration. Results Sixteen patients received a total of 34 doses of intravenous methylnaltrexone. Patients received a median of 1.69 (interquartile range [IQR], 0.9-4.86) morphine milligram equivalents per kilogram per 24 hours, over a median of 14 days (IQR, 11-30), before methylnaltrexone administration. The median dose of methylnaltrexone was 0.15 mg/kg (IQR, 0.15-0.16). Ten patients (63%) responded to the first dose of methylnaltrexone, and 14 patients (88%) responded to at least one dose. Overall, 26 doses (76%) led to patient response. Four patients (25%) experienced adverse events (emesis, abdominal pain) after methylnaltrexone administration. No signs or symptoms of opioid withdrawal were documented. Conclusions Intravenous methylnaltrexone appears to be safe and effective in treating OIC in critically ill pediatric patients. No serious adverse events or signs of opioid withdrawal were observed after single and repeat dosing. Patients responded to methylnaltrexone with varying opioid dosing and durations prior to administration.

An International Survey of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Education and Credentialing Practices.

Background: The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has grown rapidly over the past decades because of evolving indications, advances in circuit technology, and encouraging results from modern trials. Because ECMO is a complex and highly invasive therapy that requires a multidisciplinary team, optimal education, training, and credentialing remain a challenge. Objective: The primary objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence and application of ECMO education and ECMO practitioner credentialing at ECMO centers globally. In addition, we explored differences among education and credentialing practices in relation to various ECMO center characteristics. Methods: We conducted an observational study of ECMO centers worldwide using a survey querying participants in two major domains: ECMO education and ECMO practitioner credentialing. Of note, the questionnaire included ECMO program characteristics, such as type and size of hospital and ECMO experience and volume, to explore the association with the two domains. Results: A total of 241 (32%) of the 732 identified ECMO centers responded to the survey, representing 41 countries across the globe. ECMO education was offered at 221 (92%) of the 241 centers. ECMO education was offered at 105 (98.0%) high-ECMO volume centers compared with 136 (87.5%) low-ECMO volume centers (P = 0.005). Credentialing was established at 101 (42%) of the 241 centers. Credentialing processes existed at 52 (49.5%) high-ECMO volume centers compared with 51 (37.5%) low-ECMO volume centers (P = 0.08) and 101 (49.3%) Extracorporeal Life Support Organization centers compared with 1 (2.7%) non-Extracorporeal Life Support Organization center (P < 0.001). Conclusion: We found significant variability in whether ECMO educational curricula are offered at ECMO centers. We also found fewer than half of the ECMO centers surveyed had established credentialing programs for ECMO practitioners. Future studies that assess variability in outcomes among centers with and without standardized educational and credentialing practices are needed.

In vivo measurement of pediatric extracorporeal oxygenator insensible losses; a single center pilot study.

Introduction: Fluid overload on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is associated with worse outcomes. Previous in vitro studies have attempted to quantify oxygenator-related insensible losses, as failure to account for this fluid loss may lead to inaccurate fluid balance assessment and potentially harmful clinical management, such as unnecessary exposure to diuretics, slow continuous ultrafiltration (SCUF), or continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT). We performed a novel in vivo study to measure insensible fluid losses in pediatric ECMO patients. Methods: Pediatric ECMO patients were approached over eleven months in the pediatric and cardiac intensive care units. The water content of the oxygenator inflow sweep gas and exhaust gas were calculated by measuring the ambient temperature and relative humidity at frequent intervals and various sweep flow. Results and discussion: Nine subjects were enrolled, generating 431 data points. The cohort had a median age of 11 years IQR [0.83, 13], weight of 23.2 kg IQR [6.48, 44.28], and body surface area of 0.815 m2 IQR [0.315, 1.3725]. Overall, the cohort had a median sweep of 2.5 L/min [0.9, 4], ECMO flow of 3.975 L/m2/min [0.75, 4.51], and a set ECMO temperature of 37 degrees Celsius [36.6, 37.2]. The calculated net water loss per L/min of sweep was 75.93 ml/day, regardless of oxygenator size or patient weight. There was a significant difference in median documented vs. calculated fluid balance incorporating the insensible fluid loss, irrespective of oxygenator size (pediatric oxygenator: 7.001 ml/kg/day [-12.37, 28.59] vs. -6.11 ml/kg/day [-17.44, 13.01], respectively, p = 0.005 and adult oxygenator: 14.36 ml/kg/day [1.54, 25.77] and 9.204 ml/kg/day [-1.28, 22.05], respectively, p = <0.001). We present this pilot study of measured oxygenator-associated insensible fluid losses on ECMO. Our results are consistent with prior in vitro methods and provide the basis for future studies evaluating the impact of incorporating these fluid losses into patients' daily fluid balance on patient management and outcomes.

Single Ventricular Assist Device Care and Outcomes for Failed Stage I Palliation: A Single-Center Decade of Experience.

Single ventricular assist device (SVAD) use before and after stage I palliation (S1P) is increasing with limited data on outcomes. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a single-center retrospective review to assess pre- and post-SVAD clinical status, complications, and outcomes. We leveraged a granular, longitudinal, local database that captures end-organ support, procedural interventions, hematologic events, laboratory data, and antithrombotic strategy. We identified 25 patients between 2013 and 2023 implanted at median age of 53 days (interquartile range [IQR] = 16-130); 80% had systemic right ventricles and underwent S1P. Median SVAD days were 54 (IQR = 29-86), and 40% were implanted directly from ECMO. Compared to preimplant, there was a significant reduction in inotrope use ( p = 0.013) and improved weight gain ( p = 0.008) post-SVAD. Complications were frequent including bleeding (80%), stroke (40%), acute kidney injury (AKI) (40%), infection (36%), and unanticipated catheterization (56%). Patients with in-hospital mortality had significantly more bleeding complications ( p = 0.02) and were more likely to have had Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunts pre-SVAD ( p = 0.028). Survival to 1 year postexplant was 40% and included three recovered and explanted patients. At 1 year posttransplant, all survivors have technology dependence or neurologic injury. This study highlights the clinical outcomes and ongoing support required for successful SVAD use in failed single-ventricle physiology before or after S1P.

Long-Term Neurobehavioral and Functional Outcomes of Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Survivors.

There are limited reports of neurobehavioral outcomes of children supported on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). This observational study aims to characterize the long-term (≥1 year) neurobehavioral outcomes, identify risk factors associated with neurobehavioral impairment, and evaluate the trajectory of functional status in pediatric ECMO survivors. Pediatric ECMO survivors ≥1-year postdecannulation and ≥3 years of age at follow-up were prospectively enrolled and completed assessments of adaptive behavior (Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition [Vineland-3]) and functional status (Functional Status Scale [FSS]). Patient characteristics were retrospectively collected. Forty-one ECMO survivors cannulated at 0.0-19.8 years (median: 2.4 [IQR: 0.0, 13.1]) were enrolled at 1.3-12.8 years (median: 5.5 [IQR: 3.3, 6.5]) postdecannulation. ECMO survivors scored significantly lower than the normative population in the Vineland-3 Adaptive Behavior Composite (85 [IQR: 70, 99], P < 0.001) and all domains (Communication, Daily Living, Socialization, Motor). Independent risk factors for lower Vineland-3 composite scores included extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, electrographic seizures during ECMO, congenital heart disease, and premorbid developmental delay. Of the 21 patients with impaired function at discharge (FSS ≥8), 86% reported an improved FSS at follow-up. Pediatric ECMO survivors have, on average, mild neurobehavioral impairment related to adaptive functioning years after decannulation. Continued functional recovery after hospital discharge is likely.

Management of Bivalirudin Dosing and Replacement Fluid During Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in Children on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

The use of bivalirudin as the primary anticoagulant for children supported on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is growing. Ideal management of bivalirudin dosing during therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) on ECMO is unknown. We performed a single-center retrospective study of ECMO patients anticoagulated with bivalirudin who underwent TPE from January 2019 to December 2021. Therapeutic plasma exchange sessions were analyzed individually by bivalirudin dosing strategy (no change [NC] versus increased dose [dose change {DC} bivalirudin group]) and replacement fluid (all fresh-frozen plasma [FFP] versus all albumin or FFP and albumin [FFP/Albumin]). Primary outcomes included bleeding, coagulopathy, and circuit thrombosis within 24 hours of TPE. Secondary outcomes included change in bivalirudin dose and coagulation parameters following TPE. There were 60 unique TPE sessions. Bivalirudin dosing or replacement fluid strategies were not associated with bleeding, coagulopathy, or thrombosis post-TPE. All albumin or fresh frozen plasma and albumin combinations (FFP/Albumin) group had longer post-TPE thromboelastography (TEG) reaction time, clot time, and more acute angle. The FFP/Albumin group had increased post-TPE international normalization ratio (INR) and partial thrombin time (PTT). Therapeutic plasma exchange for children on ECMO and bivalirudin anticoagulation is feasible; however, optimal dosing during TPE requires further investigation. Replacement fluid with FFP/Albumin is associated with more coagulopathic laboratory parameters. Patients may benefit from all FFP fluid replacement strategy. Further investigation is needed to prove generalizability.

Validation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation mortality prediction and severity of illness scores in an international COVID-19 cohort.

BACKGROUND: Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) is a lifesaving support modality for severe respiratory failure, but its resource-intensive nature led to significant controversy surrounding its use during the COVID-19 pandemic. We report the performance of several ECMO mortality prediction and severity of illness scores at discriminating survival in a large COVID-19 V-V ECMO cohort. METHODS: We validated ECMOnet, PRESET (PREdiction of Survival on ECMO Therapy-Score), Roch, SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment), APACHE II (acute physiology and chronic health evaluation), 4C (Coronavirus Clinical Characterisation Consortium), and CURB-65 (Confusion, Urea nitrogen, Respiratory Rate, Blood Pressure, age >65 years) scores on the ISARIC (International Severe Acute Respiratory and emerging Infection Consortium) database. We report discrimination via Area Under the Receiver Operative Curve (AUROC) and Area under the Precision Recall Curve (AURPC) and calibration via Brier score. RESULTS: We included 1147 patients and scores were calculated on patients with sufficient variables. ECMO mortality scores had AUROC (0.58-0.62), AUPRC (0.62-0.74), and Brier score (0.286-0.303). Roch score had the highest accuracy (AUROC 0.62), precision (AUPRC 0.74) yet worst calibration (Brier score of 0.3) despite being calculated on the fewest patients (144). Severity of illness scores had AUROC (0.52-0.57), AURPC (0.59-0.64), and Brier Score (0.265-0.471). APACHE II had the highest accuracy (AUROC 0.58), precision (AUPRC 0.64), and best calibration (Brier score 0.26). CONCLUSION: Within a large international multicenter COVID-19 cohort, the evaluated ECMO mortality prediction and severity of illness scores demonstrated inconsistent discrimination and calibration highlighting the need for better clinically applicable decision support tools.

Anticoagulation-Free Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Single-Center Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze hemorrhage and thrombosis data related to anticoagulation-free pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTINGS: High-volume ECMO single institution data. PATIENTS: Children (0-18 yr) supported with ECMO (>24 hr) with initial anticoagulation-free period of greater than or equal to 6 hours. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Utilizing consensus American Thoracic Society definitions for hemorrhage and thrombosis on ECMO, we evaluated thrombosis and associated patient and ECMO characteristics during anticoagulation-free period. Thirty-five patients met inclusion criteria from 2018 to 2021 having a median age (interquartile range [IQR]) of 13.5 months (IQR, 3-91 mo), median ECMO duration of 135 hours (IQR, 64-217 hr), and 964 anticoagulation-free hours. Increased RBC transfusion needs were associated with longer anticoagulation-free periods ( p = 0.03). We identified 20 thrombotic events: only four during the anticoagulation-free period and occurring in three of 35 (8%) patients. Compared with those without thrombotic events, anticoagulation-free clotting events were associated with younger age (i.e., 0.3 mo [IQR, 0.2-0.3 mo] vs 22.9 mo [IQR, 3.6-112.9 mo]; p = 0.02), lower weight (2.7 kg [IQR, 2.7-3.25 kg] vs 13.2 kg [5.9-36.4 kg]; p = 0.006), support with lower median ECMO flow rate (0.5 kg [IQR, 0.45-0.55 kg] vs 1.25 kg [IQR, 0.65-2.5 kg]; p = 0.04), and longer anticoagulation-free ECMO duration (44.5 hr [IQR, 40-85 hr] vs 17.6 hr [IQR, 13-24.1]; p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: In selected high-risk-for-bleeding patients, our experience is that we can use ECMO in our center for limited periods without systemic anticoagulation, with lower frequency of patient or circuit thrombosis. Larger multicentered studies are required to assess weight, age, ECMO flow, and anticoagulation-free time limitations that are likely to pose risk for thrombotic events.

Neuromonitoring During ECMO Support in Children.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a potentially lifesaving intervention for children with severe cardiac or respiratory failure. It is used with increasing frequency and in increasingly more complex and severe diseases. Neurological injuries are important causes of morbidity and mortality in children treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and include ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, hypoxic-ischemic injury, and seizures. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology and pathophysiology of neurological injury in patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and we review the current state of knowledge for available modalities of monitoring neurological function in these children. These include structural imaging with computed tomography and ultrasound, cerebral blood flow monitoring with near-infrared spectroscopy and transcranial Doppler ultrasound, and physiological monitoring with electroencephalography and plasma biomarkers. We highlight areas of need and emerging advances that will improve our understanding of neurological injury related to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and help to reduce the burden of neurological sequelae in these children.

Development of a Standardized Assessment of Simulation-based Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Educational Courses.

Background: In 2020, the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization education task force identified seven extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) educational domains that would benefit from international collaborative efforts. These included research efforts to delineate the impact and outcomes of ECMO courses. Objective: Development of a standardized online assessment tool to evaluate the effectiveness of didactic and simulation-based ECMO courses on participants' confidence, knowledge, and simulation-based skills; participant satisfaction; and course educational benefits. Methods: We performed a prospective multicenter observational study of five different U.S. academic institution-based adult ECMO courses that met Extracorporeal Life Support Organization endorsement requirements for course structure, educational content, and objectives. Standardized online forms were developed and administered before and after courses, assessing demographics, self-assessment regarding ECMO management, and knowledge examination (15 simple-recall multiple-choice questions). Psychomotor skill assessment was performed during the course (time to complete prespecified critical actions during simulation scenarios). Self-assessment evaluated cognitive, behavioral, and technical aspects of ECMO; course satisfaction; and educational benefits. Results: Out of 211 participants, 107 completed both pre- and postcourse self-assessment forms (97 completed both pre- and postcourse knowledge forms). Fifty-three percent of respondents were physician intensivists, with most (51%) practicing at academic hospitals and with less than 1 year of ECMO experience (50%). After the course, participants reported significant increases in confidence across all domains (cognitive, technical, and behavioral, P < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-1.5; P < 0.0001, 95% CI, 2.2-2.6; and P = 0.002, 95% CI, 1.7-2.1, respectively) with an increase in knowledge scores (P < 0.001; 95% CI, 1.4-2.5). These findings were most significant in participants with less ECMO experience. There were also significant reductions in times to critical actions in three of the four scored simulation scenarios. The results demonstrated participants' satisfaction with most course aspects, with more than 95% expressing that courses met their educational goals. Conclusion: We developed and tested a structured ECMO course assessment tool, demonstrating participants' self-reported benefit as well as improvement in psychomotor skill acquisition, course satisfaction, and educational benefits. Course evaluation is feasible and potentially provides important information to improve ECMO courses. Future steps could include national implementation, addition of questions targeting clinical decision making to further assess knowledge gain, and multilanguage translation for implementation in international courses.

Impact of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy on Bivalirudin Dosing in Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

There is an increasing interest in the use of bivalirudin for pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) anticoagulation. However, dosing is not well described in those requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). We aimed to determine whether CRRT affects bivalirudin dosing in pediatric ECMO patients. Children ≤18 years of age placed on ECMO and anticoagulated with bivalirudin for ≥24 hours from January 2019 to May 2020 were included. Bivalirudin doses were collected for 144 hours from initiation of bivalirudin or CRRT. Analysis was performed to determine whether CRRT, age, or weight affected bivalirudin dosing. Thirty-one children were included, and 11 (35%) required concomitant CRRT. There was no difference in age (median 9.1 versus 3.2 months, p = 0.15) or days on ECMO (median 11 versus 9, p = 0.7) between those who did or did not receive CRRT. The mean bivalirudin dosing was similar in patients who did or did not require CRRT (median and IQR: 0.13 mg/kg/hour [0.08-0.26] versus 0.15 mg/kg/hour [0.11-0.22], respectively, p = 0.13). Younger age ( p < 0.001) and lower weight ( p < 0.001) were associated with higher bivalirudin dosing. In our study, bivalirudin dosing did not differ if the patient required CRRT while on ECMO.

Poor Reliability of Common Measures of Anticoagulation in Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

Anticoagulation management in pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is challenging with multiple laboratory measures utilized across institutions without consensus guidelines. These include partial thromboplastin time (PTT), thromboelastography (TEG), and antifactor Xa (aXa). We aimed to evaluate the consistency of TEG R-time, PTT, and aXa correlation to bivalirudin and heparin dosing. We conducted a single-center restrospective review of pediatric ECMO cases from 2018 to 2020 anticoagulated with bivalirudin or heparin. We collected up to 14 serial simultaneous TEG R-time, PTT, and aXa measurements over a 7 day ECMO course with corresponding bivalirudin or heparin dosing. We analyzed the correlation between bivalirudin, heparin, and the three measurements of anticoagulation. A total of 67 ECMO runs, 32 bivalirudin, and 35 heparin, and more than 1,500 laboratory values, of which >80% simultaneous, were analyzed. When assessing correlations at the individual patient level, there was no consistent correlation between dosing and at least one laboratory parameter in the majority of patients. Furthermore, 44% of the bivalirudin cohort and 37% of the heparin cohort exhibited no correlation with any parameters. There were statistically significant correlations only between bivalirudin and heparin dosing and the sum total of the different laboratory tests. These inconsistencies highlight the importance of multimodality testing of anticoagulation in the management of pediatric ECMO anticoagulation and cannot be relied on in isolation from bedside clinical judgment.

Comprehensive assessment of a nationwide simulation-based course for artificial life support.

BACKGROUND: Successful implementation of medical technologies applied in life-threatening conditions, including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) requires appropriate preparation and training of medical personnel. The pandemic has accelerated the creation of new ECMO centers and has highlighted continuous training in adapting to new pandemic standards. To reach high standards of patients' care, we created the first of its kind, National Education Centre for Artificial Life Support (NEC-ALS) in 40 million inhabitants' country in the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The role of the Center is to test and promote the novel or commonly used procedures as well as to develop staff skills on management of patients needing ECMO. METHOD: In 2020, nine approved and endorsed by ELSO courses of "Artificial Life Support with ECMO" were organized. Physicians participated in the three-day high-fidelity simulation-based training that was adapted to abide by the social distancing norms of the COVID-19 pandemic. Knowledge as well as crucial cognitive, behavioral and technical aspects (on a 5-point Likert scale) of management on ECMO were assessed before and after course completion. Moreover, the results of training in mechanical chest compression were also evaluated. RESULTS: There were 115 participants (60% men) predominantly in the age of 30-40 years. Majority of them (63%) were anesthesiologists or intensivists with more than 5-year clinical experience, but 54% had no previous ECMO experience. There was significant improvement after the course in all cognitive, behavioral, and technical self-assessments. Among aspects of management with ECMO that all increased significantly following the course, the most pronounced was related to the technical one (from approximately 1.0 to more 4.0 points). Knowledge scores significantly increased post-course from 11.4 ± SD to 13 ± SD (out of 15 points). The quality of manual chest compression relatively poor before course improved significantly after training. CONCLUSIONS: Our course confirmed that simulation as an educational approach is invaluable not only in training and testing of novel or commonly used procedures, skills upgrading, but also in practicing very rare cases. The implementation of the education program during COVID-19 pandemic may be helpful in founding specialized Advanced Life Support centers and teams including mobile ones. The dedicated R&D Innovation Ecosystem established in the "ECMO for Greater Poland" program, with developed National Education Center can play a crucial role in the knowledge and know-how transfer but future research is needed.

Extracorporeal Support Prognostication-Time to Move the Goal Posts?

Advances in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) technology are associated with expanded indications, increased utilization and improved outcome. There is growing interest in developing ECMO prognostication scores to aid in bedside decision making. To date, the majority of available scores have been limited to mostly registry-based data and with mortality as the main outcome of interest. There continues to be a gap in clinically applicable decision support tools to aid in the timing of ECMO cannulation to improve patients' long-term outcomes. We present a brief review of the commonly available adult and pediatric ECMO prognostication tools, their limitations, and future directions.

Context-Responsive Anticoagulation Reduces Complications in Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

Purpose: We sought to determine the impact of a comprehensive, context-responsive anticoagulation and transfusion guideline on bleeding and thrombotic complication rates and blood product utilization during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Design: Single-center, observational pre- and post-implementation cohort study. Setting: Academic pediatric hospital. Patients: Patients in the PICU, CICU, and NICU receiving ECMO support. Interventions: Program-wide implementation of a context-responsive anticoagulation and transfusion guideline. Measurements: Pre-implementation subjects consisted of all patients receiving ECMO between January 1 and December 31, 2012, and underwent retrospective chart review. Post-implementation subjects consisted of all ECMO patients between September 1, 2013, and December 31, 2014, and underwent prospective data collection. Data collection included standard demographic and admission data, ECMO technical specifications, non-ECMO therapies, coagulation parameters, and blood product administration. A novel grading scale was used to define hemorrhagic complications (major, intermediate, and minor) and major thromboembolic complications. Main Results: Seventy-six ECMO patients were identified: 31 during the pre-implementation period and 45 in the post-implementation period. The overall observed mortality was 33% with no difference between groups. Compared to pre-implementation, the post-implementation group experienced fewer major hemorrhagic and major thrombotic complications and less severe hemorrhagic complications and received less RBC transfusion volume per kg. Conclusions: Use of a context-responsive anticoagulation and transfusion guideline was associated with a reduction in hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications and reduced RBC transfusion requirements. Further evaluation of guideline content, compliance, performance, and sustainability is needed.