Characteristics and Outcomes of Prolonged Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation After Cardiac Surgery: The Post-Cardiotomy Extracorporeal Life Support (PELS-1) Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: Most post-cardiotomy (PC) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) runs last less than 7 days. Studies on the outcomes of longer runs have provided conflicting results. This study investigates patient characteristics and short- and long-term outcomes in relation to PC ECMO duration, with a focus on prolonged (> 7 d) ECMO. DESIGN: Retrospective observational cohort study. SETTING: Thirty-four centers from 16 countries between January 2000 and December 2020. PATIENTS: Adults requiring post PC ECMO between 2000 and 2020. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Characteristics, in-hospital, and post-discharge outcomes were compared among patients categorized by ECMO duration. Survivors and nonsurvivors were compared in the subgroup of patients with ECMO duration greater than 7 days. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Two thousand twenty-one patients were included who required PC ECMO for 0-3 days ( n = 649 [32.1%]), 4-7 days ( n = 776 [38.3%]), 8-10 days ( n = 263 [13.0%]), and greater than 10 days ( n = 333 [16.5%]). There were no major differences in the investigated preoperative and procedural characteristics among ECMO duration groups. However, the longer ECMO duration category was associated with multiple complications including bleeding, acute kidney injury, arrhythmias, and sepsis. Hospital mortality followed a U-shape curve, with lowest mortality in patients with ECMO duration of 4-7 days ( n = 394, 50.8%) and highest in patients with greater than 10 days ECMO support ( n = 242, 72.7%). There was no significant difference in post-discharge survival between ECMO duration groups. In patients with ECMO duration greater than 7 days, age, comorbidities, valvular diseases, and complex procedures were associated with nonsurvival. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 30% of PC ECMO patients were supported for greater than 7 days. In-hospital mortality increased after 7 days of support, especially in patients undergoing valvular and complex surgery, or who had complications, although the long-term post-discharge prognosis was comparable to PC ECMO patients with shorter support duration.

Triglyceride-glucose index correlates with the occurrence and prognosis of acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock: data from two large cohorts.

BACKGROUND: Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, a dependable indicator of insulin resistance, has been identified as a valid marker regarding multiple cardiovascular diseases. Nevertheless, the correlation of TyG index with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMICS) remains uncertain. Our study aims for elucidating this relationship by comprehensively analyzing two large-scale cohorts. METHODS: Utilizing records from the eICU Collaborative Research Database and the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV, the link between TyG and the incidence and prognosis of AMICS was assessed multicentrally and retrospectively by logistic and correlation models, as well as restricted cubic spline (RCS). Propensity score matching (PSM), inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW), and overlap weighting (OW) were employed to balance the potential confounders. Subgroup analyses were performed according to potential modifiers. RESULTS: Overall, 5208 AMI patients, consisting of 375 developing CS were finally included. The TyG index exhibited an apparently higher level in AMI populations developing CS than in those who did not experienced CS [9.2 (8.8-9.7) vs. 9.0 (8.5-9.5)], with a moderate discrimination ability to recognize AMICS from the general AMI (AUC: 0.604). Logistic analyses showed that the TyG index was significantly correlated with in-hospital and ICU mortality. RCS analysis demonstrated a linear link between elevated TyG and increased risks regarding in-hospital and ICU mortality in the AMICS population. An increased mortality risk remains evident in PSM-, OW- and IPTW-adjusted populations with higher TyG index who have undergone CS. Correlation analyses demonstrated an apparent link between TyG index and APS score. Subgroup analyses presented a stable link between elevated TyG and mortality particularly in older age, females, those who are overweight or hypertensive, as well as those without diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated TyG index was related to the incidence of CS following AMI and higher mortality risks in the population with AMICS. Our findings pointed a previously undisclosed role of TyG index in regard to AMICS that still requires further validation.

Central (Aortic) Cannulation versus Peripheral (Axillary or Femoral) Cannulation in Acute Type A Aortic Dissections: A Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies.

Background: There has been an increased interest in using antegrade cannulation techniques during surgery for type A aortic dissection. While the utilization of central artery cannulation has been on the rise in recent times, its effectiveness and safety still require thorough examination. This study aimed to explore both the efficiency and safety of central arterial cannulation. Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted on studies that evaluated surgical outcomes when using central artery cannulation (CAC) in comparison to axillary artery cannulation (AXC) or femoral artery cannulation (FAC). Results: 10 retrospective observational studies were included, enrolling 3022 patients (CAC = 1208 vs. FAC = 606; CAC = 1051 vs. AXC = 1119). Among these, 4 articles involved axillary artery cannulation, femoral artery cannulation, and central artery cannulation. Central cannulation was linked to decreased short-term mortality [odds ratio, 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.48, 0.89), χ 2 = 3.27, p = 0.007; I 2 = 0; p = 0.86] compared to femoral cannulation. Additionally, central cannulation was associated with a lower occurrence of temporary neurological dysfunction (TND) [odds ratio, 0.57, 95% CI (0.38, 0.85), χ 2 = 0.88, p = 0.006; I 2 = 0%, p = 0.83] when compared with femoral cannulation. However, there was no statistical significance in mortality and TND between the central cannulation and axillary cannulation groups. Conclusions: This meta-analysis reveals that central cannulation surpasses femoral cannulation in lowering short-term mortality and the occurrence of TND among patients undergoing surgery for type A acute aortic dissection. However, central cannulation does not exhibit a higher mortality and TND compared to axillary cannulation.

Neurologic complications in patients receiving aortic versus subclavian versus femoral arterial cannulation for post-cardiotomy extracorporeal life support: results of the PELS observational multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral perfusion may change depending on arterial cannulation site and may affect the incidence of neurologic adverse events in post-cardiotomy extracorporeal life support (ECLS). The current study compares patients' neurologic outcomes with three commonly used arterial cannulation strategies (aortic vs. subclavian/axillary vs. femoral artery) to evaluate if each ECLS configuration is associated with different rates of neurologic complications. METHODS: This retrospective, multicenter (34 centers), observational study included adults requiring post-cardiotomy ECLS between January 2000 and December 2020 present in the Post-Cardiotomy Extracorporeal Life Support (PELS) Study database. Patients with Aortic, Subclavian/Axillary and Femoral cannulation were compared on the incidence of a composite neurological end-point (ischemic stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, brain edema). Secondary outcomes were overall in-hospital mortality, neurologic complications as cause of in-hospital death, and post-operative minor neurologic complications (seizures). Association between cannulation and neurological outcomes were investigated through linear mixed-effects models. RESULTS: This study included 1897 patients comprising 26.5% Aortic (n = 503), 20.9% Subclavian/Axillary (n = 397) and 52.6% Femoral (n = 997) cannulations. The Subclavian/Axillary group featured a more frequent history of hypertension, smoking, diabetes, previous myocardial infarction, dialysis, peripheral artery disease and previous stroke. Neuro-monitoring was used infrequently in all groups. Major neurologic complications were more frequent in Subclavian/Axillary (Aortic: n = 79, 15.8%; Subclavian/Axillary: n = 78, 19.6%; Femoral: n = 118, 11.9%; p < 0.001) also after mixed-effects model adjustment (OR 1.53 [95% CI 1.02-2.31], p = 0.041). Seizures were more common in Subclavian/Axillary (n = 13, 3.4%) than Aortic (n = 9, 1.8%) and Femoral cannulation (n = 12, 1.3%, p = 0.036). In-hospital mortality was higher after Aortic cannulation (Aortic: n = 344, 68.4%, Subclavian/Axillary: n = 223, 56.2%, Femoral: n = 587, 58.9%, p < 0.001), as shown by Kaplan-Meier curves. Anyhow, neurologic cause of death (Aortic: n = 12, 3.9%, Subclavian/Axillary: n = 14, 6.6%, Femoral: n = 28, 5.0%, p = 0.433) was similar. CONCLUSIONS: In this analysis of the PELS Study, Subclavian/Axillary cannulation was associated with higher rates of major neurologic complications and seizures. In-hospital mortality was higher after Aortic cannulation, despite no significant differences in incidence of neurological cause of death in these patients. These results encourage vigilance for neurologic complications and neuromonitoring use in patients on ECLS, especially with Subclavian/Axillary cannulation.

Essential tremor is associated with reduced serum ceruloplasmin levels.

BACKGROUND: Essential tremor (ET), a prevalent movement disorder, has an elusive pathogenesis. A reduction in ceruloplasmin (Cp) levels can be found in some patients with ET. In addition, some studies have suggested an association between ET and neurodegeneration. As a ferroxidase, Cp is critical for iron metabolism, protecting against oxidative stress and neurodegeneration. Iron metabolism dysregulation, linked to ferroptosis, has implications in neurodegenerative diseases. Yet, research on Cp and ET remains limited. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to elucidate the relationship between ET and serum Cp levels. METHODS: We collected demographic and clinical data from 62 patients with ET satisfying the diagnostic criteria and compared these to data from 100 healthy controls. RESULTS: The median Cp levels in ET patients were 21.5 (18.8, 23.9) mg/dL, significantly lower than those in controls (23.1 [(20.7, 25.7) mg/dL; P = 0.006]). A reduction in Cp levels emerged as a risk factor for ET incidence (odds ratio (OR) = 0.873, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.795, 0.959; P = 0.005). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for serum Cp levels to predict the onset of ET was 0.629 (95% CI, 0.537-0.720; P = 0.006), and the optimal cut-off value for Cp levels was 19.5 mg/dL with a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 33.9%. CONCLUSION: Our analysis suggests that reduced Cp levels are associated with ET. We speculate that reduced Cp levels may be involved in the pathogenesis of ET, which requires further studies.

Post-cardiotomy extracorporeal life support: A cohort of cannulation in the general ward.

OBJECTIVES: Post-cardiotomy extracorporeal life support (ECLS) cannulation might occur in a general post-operative ward due to emergent conditions. Its characteristics have been poorly reported and investigated This study investigates the characteristics and outcomes of adult patients receiving ECLS cannulation in a general post-operative cardiac ward. METHODS: The Post-cardiotomy Extracorporeal Life Support (PELS) is a retrospective (2000-2020), multicenter (34 centers), observational study including adult patients who required ECLS for post-cardiotomy shock. This PELS sub-analysis analyzed patients´ characteristics, in-hospital outcomes, and long-term survival in patients cannulated for veno-arterial ECLS in the general ward, and further compared in-hospital survivors and non-survivors. RESULTS: The PELS study included 2058 patients of whom 39 (1.9%) were cannulated in the general ward. Most patients underwent isolated coronary bypass grafting (CABG, n = 15, 38.5%) or isolated non-CABG operations (n = 20, 51.3%). The main indications to initiate ECLS included cardiac arrest (n = 17, 44.7%) and cardiogenic shock (n = 14, 35.9%). ECLS cannulation occurred after a median time of 4 (2-7) days post-operatively. Most patients' courses were complicated by acute kidney injury (n = 23, 59%), arrhythmias (n = 19, 48.7%), and postoperative bleeding (n = 20, 51.3%). In-hospital mortality was 84.6% (n = 33) with persistent heart failure (n = 11, 28.2%) as the most common cause of death. No peculiar differences were observed between in-hospital survivors and nonsurvivors. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that ECLS cannulation due to post-cardiotomy emergent adverse events in the general ward is rare, mainly occurring in preoperative low-risk patients and after a postoperative cardiac arrest. High complication rates and low in-hospital survival require further investigations to identify patients at risk for such a complication, optimize resources, enhance intervention, and improve outcomes.

Mortality risk factors in patients receiving ECPR after cardiac arrest: Development and validation of a clinical prognostic prediction model.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown an increasing trend of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) use in patients with cardiac arrest (CA). Although ECPR have been found to reduce mortality in patients with CA compared with conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CCPR), the mortality remains high. This study was designed to identify the potential mortality risk factors for ECPR patients for further optimization of patient management and treatment selection. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, multicentre study collecting 990 CA patients undergoing ECPR in 61 hospitals in China from January 2017 to May 2022 in CSECLS registry database. A clinical prediction model was developed using cox regression and validated with external data. RESULTS: The data of 351 patients meeting the inclusion criteria before October 2021 was used to develop a prediction model and that of 68 patients after October 2021 for validation. Of the 351 patients with CA treated with ECPR, 227 (64.8%) patients died before hospital discharge. Multivariate analysis suggested that a medical history of cerebrovascular diseases, pulseless electrical activity (PEA)/asystole and higher Lactate (Lac) were risk factors for mortality while aged 45-60, higher pH and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) during ECPR have protective effects. Internal validation by bootstrap resampling was subsequently used to evaluate the stability of the model, showing moderate discrimination, especially in the early stage following ECPR, with a C statistic of 0.70 and adequate calibration with GOF chi-square = 10.4 (p = 0.50) for the entire cohort. Fair discrimination with c statistic of 0.65 and good calibration (GOF chi-square = 6.1, p = 0.809) in the external validation cohort demonstrating the model's ability to predict in-hospital death across a wide range of probabilities. CONCLUSION: Risk factors have been identified among ECPR patients including a history of cerebrovascular diseases, higher Lac and presence of PEA or asystole. While factor such as age 45-60, higher pH and use of IABP have been found protective against in-hospital mortality. These factors can be used for risk prediction, thereby improving the management and treatment selection of patients for this resource-intensive therapy.

Clinical characteristics of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in China: a multicenter retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) might markedly increase the survival of selected patients with refractory cardiac arrest. But the application situation and indications remained unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We respectively reviwed all adult patients who underwent ECPR from January 2017 to March 2021. Patient characteristics, initiation and management of ECMO, complications, and outcomes were collected and compared between the survivors and nonsurvivors. LASSO regression was used to screen risk factors. Multivariate logistic regression was performed with several parameters screened by LASSO regression. RESULTS: Data were reported from 42 ECMO centers covering 19 provinces of China. A total of 648 patients were included in the study, including 491 (75.8%) males. There were 11 ECPR centers in 2017, and the number increased to 42 in 2020. The number of patients received ECPR increased from 33 in 2017 to 274 in 2020, and the survival rate increased from 24.2% to 33.6%. Neurological complications, renal replacement therapy, epinephrine dosage after ECMO, recovery of spontaneous circulation before ECMO, lactate clearance and shockable rhythm were risk factors independently associated with outcomes of whole process. Sex, recovery of spontaneous circulation before ECMO, lactate, shockable rhythm and causes of arrest were pre-ECMO risk factors independently affecting outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: From January 2017 to March 2021, the numbers of ECPR centers and cases in mainland China increased gradually over time, as well as the survival rate. Pre-ECMO risk factors, especially recovery of spontaneous circulation before ECMO, shockable rhythm and lactate, are as important as post-ECMO management,. Neurological complications are vital risk factors after ECMO that deserved close attention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04158479, registered on 2019/11/08. https://clinicaltrials.gov/NCT04158479.

The effects of tranexamic acid in patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: The lysine analog tranexamic acid (TXA) is used as a blood protective drug in cardiac surgery, but efficacy and safety outcomes in patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) after surgery remain poorly understood. METHODS: From January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2022, we retrospectively analyzed patients assisted by ECMO after cardiac surgery and divided them into TXA and control groups depending on whether TXA was used or not. The primary study outcome was red blood cell (RBC) transfusion during ECMO. RESULTS: In total, 321 patients treated with ECMO after cardiac surgery were assessed; 185 patients were eligible for inclusion into to the TXA-intervention group and 136 into to the control group. RBC transfusion during ECMO was 8.0 IU (4.0 IU-14.0 IU) in the TXA group versus 10.0 IU (6.0 IU-16.0 IU) in the control group (p = .034). Median total chest drainage volume after surgery was 1460.0 mL (650.0-2910.0 mL) and 1680.0 mL (900.0-3340.0 mL) in TXA and control groups, respectively (p = .021). Postoperative serum D-dimer levels were significantly lower in the TXA group when compared with the control group; 1.125 µg/mL (0.515-2.176 µg/mL) versus 3.000 µg/mL (1.269-5.862 µg/mL), p < .001. Serious adverse events, including vascular occlusive events, did not differ meaningfully between groups. CONCLUSIONS: In patients treated with ECMO after cardiac surgery, TXA infusion modestly but significantly reduced RBC transfusions and chest tube output when compared with the control group.

Heterogeneity in Clinical Practices for Post-Cardiotomy Extracorporeal Life Support: a Pilot Survey from the PELS-1 Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: High-quality evidence for post-cardiotomy extracorporeal life support (PC-ECLS) management is lacking. This study investigated the real-world PC-ECLS clinical practices. METHODS: This cross-sectional, multi-institutional, international pilot survey explored center organization, anticoagulation management, left ventricular unloading, distal limb perfusion, PC-ECLS monitoring and transfusions practices. Twenty-nine questions were distributed among 34 hospitals participating in the Post-cardiotomy Extra-Corporeal Life Support Study. RESULTS: Of the 32 centers [16 low-volume (50%); 16 high-volume (50%)] that responded, 16 (50%) had dedicated ECLS specialists. Twenty-six centers (81.3%) reported using additional mechanical circulatory supports. Anticoagulation practices were highly heterogeneous: 24 hospitals (75%) reported using patient's bleeding status as a guide, without a specific threshold in 54.2% of cases. Transfusion targets ranged 7-10 g/dL. Most centers used cardiac venting on a case-by-case basis (78.1%) and regular distal limb perfusion (84.4%). Nineteen (54.9%) centers reported dedicated monitoring protocols including daily echocardiography (87.5%), Swan-Ganz catheterization (40.6%), cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy (53.1%) and multimodal assessment of limb ischemia. Inspection of the circuit (71.9%), oxygenator pressure drop (68.8%), plasma free hemoglobin (75%), d-dimer (59.4%), lactate dehydrogenase (56.3%) and fibrinogen (46.9%) are used to diagnose hemolysis and thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows remarkable heterogeneity in clinical practices for PC-ECLS management. More standardized protocols and better implementation of available evidence are recommended.

Percutaneous dilatation tracheotomy in patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Current practices regarding percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy in adult patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) after cardiac surgery is not completely defined. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of the percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy in patients with ECMO after cardiac surgery. METHODS: Between July 2017 and May 2021, 371 ECMO procedures were performed in more than 35,000 adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery in our hospital. Sixty-two patients underwent percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) during or after ECMO. A retrospective analysis was performed comparing the incidence of complications and clinical outcomes of the two groups. RESULTS: Of the 371 patients treated with ECMO after adult cardiac surgery during the enrollment period, 22 (7.1%) and 40 (12.8%) underwent PDT during or after ECMO, respectively. The platelet count (PLT) of the day was significantly lower in the PDT during ECMO group (54 (34, 68) vs. 108 (69, 162) (thousands), p < 0.001)). The prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) of the day were longer in the PDT during ECMO group (15.8 (14.6, 19.9) vs. 13.8 (13.2, 15.2) seconds, p = 0.001, 43.8 (38.0, 49.4) vs. 35.2 (28.2, 40.9) seconds, p < 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in tracheotomy-related complications between the two groups. Significantly decreased ventilator time was observed in the PDT during ECMO group. CONCLUSIONS: Despite poor coagulation of the day, PDT during ECMO is safe and can appropriately reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation compared with PDT after ECMO weaning in adult patients who have undergone cardiac surgery.

Soluble ST2 predicts continuous renal replacement therapy in patients receiving venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between plasma soluble ST2 (sST2) levels 24 h after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) initiation and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in patients receiving venoarterial ECMO (V-A ECMO) support. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data of patients who received ECMO support for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock between January 2017 and July 2019 were retrospectively collected from Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University. Ultimately, 116 patients were included in the present study for analysis. The concentration of sST2 was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The log10 sST2 levels were higher in patients undergoing CRRT than those who did not (6.06 vs. 6.22, p = 0.019). Patients undergoing CRRT had a lower survival rate than those who did not (32.8% vs. 67.3%, p < 0.001). In the univariate logistic regression analysis, sST2, HCO3-, lactate, and creatinine levels 24 h after ECMO initiation were related to CRRT (p < 0.05). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, HCO3- and sST2 were identified as independent risk factors for CRRT use in patients undergoing ECMO (p < 0.05). The area under receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) for sST2 and HCO3- together was 0.72 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.79-0.91), which was better than those of sST2 or HCO3- alone (0.63 vs. 0.67). CONCLUSIONS: sST2 and HCO3-levels at 24 h after ECMO initiation were associated with CRRT and could predict CRRT use in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock patients undergoing ECMO.

Adult acute respiratory distress syndrome due to human parvovirus B19 infection after cardiac surgery: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Infection with human parvovirus B19 (PB19) is very common in pediatric patients. Symptoms and signs depend on the infected patient's immune and hematopoietic status and can range from an asymptomatic condition to life-threatening disease. CASE PRESENTATION: A 69-year-old man received elective mitral valvular replacement and tricuspid valvuloplasty under cardiopulmonary bypass and suffered acute respiratory distress syndrome on postoperative day 8. Through the detection of positive serum IgM and human PB19-specific nucleic acids in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid via metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), acute human PB19 infection was confirmed. The patient was ventilated and the pulmonary infiltration was attenuated six days later. CONCLUSION: A combination of serum human PB19 DNA by mNGS and positive serum human PB19 IgM could provide higher diagnostic sensitivity for acute human PB19 infection. The method of mNGS may be a new choice for detecting rare or atypical pathogens in severe complicated pneumonia. The infection of human PB19 was possibly self-limited.

Risk factors and outcomes for patients with bleeding complications receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: An analysis of the Chinese Extracorporeal Life Support Registry.

OBJECTIVE: Bleeding is a severe complication of patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). This study aimed to analyze the occurrence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of patients on ECMO with bleeding complications. METHODS: ECMO cases reported to the multicenter ECMO registry database of the Chinese Society of Extracorporeal Life Support (CSECLS) from January 2017 to December 2020 were enrolled. General information, ECMO indications, application, complications, and patient outcomes were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 6541 ECMO patients from 112 centers were enrolled. Overall, 1185 patients (18.1%) presented with one of the following bleeding complications, including 82 cases (1.3%) with severe bleeding during ECMO catheterization, 462 cases (7.1%) with bleeding at the ECMO cannulation site, 200 cases (3.5%) with bleeding at the surgical site, 180 cases (2.8%) with cerebral hemorrhage, 99 cases (1.5%) with pulmonary hemorrhage, 200 cases (3.5%) with gastrointestinal hemorrhage, 82 cases (1.3%) with ECMO withdrawal, and 118 (1.8%) deaths due to severe bleeding. Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) patients had the highest incidence of bleeding complications (22.4%), followed by those on circulatory support (18.7%) and respiratory support (15.4%) (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that pediatric patients (odds ratio [OR] 1.509, p < 0.001), patients receiving renal replacement therapy (OR 1.932, p < 0.001), and patients receiving central ECMO cannulation (OR 3.023, p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for all bleeding complications, while peripheral cannulation (OR 0.712, p < 0.001) was an independent protective factor. Patients with any bleeding complication had significantly higher in-hospital mortality than patients without (61.9% vs. 46.3%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Up to 18.1% of ECMO patients in the CSECLS registry experienced bleeding complications, which was associated with higher in-hospital mortality, especially in patients who received ECPR, patients on circulatory support, and pediatric patients, which should arouse the attention of clinicians.

Hemoperfusion with CytoSorb® in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Systematic inflammatory response occurred in some critically ill patients with COVID-19. Cytokine reduction by hemadsorption is a mechanism of treatment. However, whether CytoSorb hemoperfusion works for critically ill COVID-19 patients remains unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We observed case series of critically ill COVID-19 patients receiving CytoSorb hemoperfusion as rescue therapy from 3 hospitals in Hubei, China from February 28, 2020, to April 7, 2020. Their demographic, laboratory, and clinical data were collected. The parameters for organ function and IL-6 levels were compared before and after treatments. RESULTS: A total of 10 cases were included. The median age of the patients was 67.7 years (range = 50-85) with APACHE II (23.5) and SOFA (11.4). Patients received a median of 3 attempts of hemoperfusion (range = 1-6). The median CytoSorb perfusion time was 47 h (12-92 h). The level of IL-6 significantly decreased after treatments (712.6 [145-5,000] vs. 136.7 [46.3-1,054] pg/mL, p = 0.005). Significant improvement was found in PaO2/FiO2 (118 [81-220] vs. 163 [41-340] mm Hg, p = 0.04) and lactate levels (2.5 [1-18] vs. 1.7 [1.1-10] mmol/L, p = 0.009). The hemodynamics measured by norepinephrine/MAP slightly improved after treatment (17 [0-68] vs. 8 [0-39], p = 0.09). Albumin mildly decreased after CytoSorb. No significant changes were found in red blood cell counts, white cell counts, and platelets. CONCLUSION: Treatment with CytoSorb in critically ill COVID-19 patients was associated with decreased IL-6 improvement in oxygenation. However, these effects cannot be confirmed as the direct effects of CytoSorb owing to lack of controls. Establishing causality requires large-scale randomized clinical trials.

Risk factors of acute renal injury and in-hospital mortality in adult patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock requiring veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: utility of MELD-XI score.

BACKGROUND: The suitability of model for end-stage liver disease excluding international normalized ratio (MELD-XI) score to predict the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and in-hospital mortality in adult patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS) requiring venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) remains uncertain. This study was performed to explore whether the MELD-XI score has the association with the incidence of AKI and in-hospital mortality in these patients. METHODS: Adult patients with PCS requiring VA ECMO from January 2012 to December 2017 were enrolled and first classified into AKI group (n = 151) versus no-AKI group (n = 132), then classified into survival group (n = 143) versus no-survival group (n = 140). Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify factors independently associated with AKI and mortality. Baseline data were defined as the first measurement available. RESULTS: Of 283 patients, the incidence of AKI was 53.36%. The in-hospital mortality rates were 63.58% and 33.33% in patients with and without AKI (p < 0.0001). Baseline MELD-XI score, baseline serum total bilirubin (T-Bil), baseline blood urea nitrogen (BUN), baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, and lactate level at ECMO initiation were shown to be associated with the AKI. Vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) and SOFA score at ECMO initiation as well as renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) were shown to be associated with in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The baseline MELD-XI score, baseline BUN, baseline T-Bil, baseline LVEF, SOFA score and lactate at the initiation of ECMO were associated with AKI. AKI, SOFA score, and VIS at the initiation of ECMO were associated with in-hospital mortality, whereas MELD-XI score was not found to be associated with in-hospital mortality. A specific MELD-XI score as a threshold, as well as its sensitivity and specificity, needs to be confirmed in further studies.

A nomogram to predict nosocomial infection in patients on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after cardiac surgery.

INTRODUCTION: After cardiac surgery, patients on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) have a higher risk of nosocomial infection in the intensive care unit (ICU). We aimed to establish an intuitive nomogram to predict the probability of nosocomial infection in patients on VA-ECMO after cardiac surgery. METHODS: We included patients on VA-ECMO after cardiac surgery between January 2011 and December 2020 at a single center. We developed a nomogram based on independent predictors identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. We selected the optimal model and assessed its performance through internal validation and decision-curve analyses. RESULTS: Overall, 503 patients were included; 363 and 140 patients were randomly divided into development and validation sets, respectively. Independent predictors derived from the development set to predict nosocomial infection included older age, white blood cell (WBC) count abnormality, ECMO environment in the ICU, and mechanical ventilation (MV) duration, which were entered into the model to create the nomogram. The model showed good discrimination, with areas under the curve (95% confidence interval) of 0.743 (0.692-0.794) in the development set and 0.732 (0.643-0.820) in the validation set. The optimal cutoff probability of the model was 0.457 in the development set (sensitivity, 0.683; specificity, 0.719). The model showed qualified calibration in both the development and validation sets (Hosmer-Lemeshow test, p > .05). The threshold probabilities ranged from 0.20 to 0.70. CONCLUSIONS: For adult patients receiving VA-ECMO treatment after cardiac surgery, a nomogram-monitoring tool could be used in clinical practice to identify patients with high-risk nosocomial infections and provide an early warning.

Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Postcardiotomy Shock-Analysis of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry.

OBJECTIVES: Refractory postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock complicating cardiac surgery yields nearly 100% mortality when untreated. Use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock has increased worldwide recently. The aim of the current analysis was to outline the trends in use, changing patient profiles, and in-hospital outcomes including complications in patients undergoing venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock. DESIGN: Analysis of extracorporeal life support organization registry from January 2010 to December 2018. SETTING: Multicenter worldwide registry. PATIENTS: Seven-thousand one-hundred eighty-five patients supported with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock. INTERVENTIONS: Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Hospital death, weaning from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, hospital complications. Mortality predictors were assessed by multivariable logistic regression. Propensity score matching was performed for comparison of peripheral and central cannulation for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. A significant trend toward more extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use in recent years (coefficient, 0.009; p < 0.001) was found. Mean age was 56.3 ± 14.9 years and significantly increased over time (coefficient, 0.513; p < 0.001). Most commonly, venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was instituted after coronary artery bypass surgery (26.8%) and valvular surgery (25.6%), followed by heart transplantation (20.7%). Overall, successful extracorporeal membrane oxygenation weaning was possible in 4,520 cases (56.4%), and survival to hospital discharge was achieved in 41.7% of cases. In-hospital mortality rates remained constant over time (coefficient, -8.775; p = 0.682), whereas complication rates were significantly reduced (coefficient, -0.009; p = 0.003). Higher mortality was observed after coronary artery bypass surgery (65.4%), combined coronary artery bypass surgery with valve (68.4%), and aortic (69.6%) procedures than other indications. Lower mortality rates were observed in heart transplantation recipients (46.0%). Age (p < 0.001), central cannulation (p < 0.001), and occurrence of complications while on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were independently associated with poorer prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis confirmed increased use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock. Mortality rates remained relatively constant over time despite a decrease in complications, in the setting of supporting older patients.

Survival following venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock adults.

BACKGROUND: Studies reporting long-term outcomes of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-treated coronary artery bypass grafting patients are scarce. The objective of this study was to examine the survival outcomes and identify mortality risk factors for coronary artery bypass grafting patients who received venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock. METHODS: Data from 121 consecutive venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-treated coronary artery bypass grafting patients at the Beijing Anzhen Hospital between January 2012 and December 2016 were analyzed. Multivariable Cox regression modeling was used to identify factors independently associated with 36-month mortality. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients (64%) could be weaned from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, 56 patients (46%) survived to hospital discharge, and 41 patients (34%) survived to 36 months. Older age (hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.10; p < 0.001), left main coronary artery disease (hazard ratio, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.04-2.59; p < 0.001), and vasoactive inotropic score (hazard ratio, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.02-1.16; p = 0.011) were independent risk factors associated with 36-month mortality. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the logistic regression model, which was constructed with three pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation parameters-age ⩾ 60 years, left main coronary artery disease, and vasoactive inotropic score > 60-was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.81-0.94). Age and left main coronary artery disease significantly increased the discriminatory performance of Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment score (0.79 vs. 0.91, p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Older age, left main coronary artery disease, and vasoactive inotropic score were associated with 36-month mortality in coronary artery bypass grafting patients who received venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Predictors for unsuccessful weaning from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: Studies reporting risk factors associated with unsuccessful weaning for coronary artery bypass grafting patients on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are scarce. This study was designed to identify factors associated with unsuccessful weaning from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. METHODS: Data from 166 coronary artery bypass grafting patients supported with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation at the Beijing Anzhen Hospital between February 2004 and March 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression was performed using bootstrapping methodology to identify factors independently associated with unsuccessful weaning from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients (64%) could be weaned from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and 74 patients (45%) were alive at hospital discharge. The 30-day and 60-day survival rates after ECMO weaning were 72% and 70%, respectively. Pre-existing hypertension (odds ratio, 2.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-5.56; p = 0.02), serum creatinine (+1 µmol/L; odds ratio, 1.008; 95% confidence interval, 1.003-1.013; p = 0.001), and serum lactate (+1 mmol/L; odds ratio, 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.26; p = 0.001) were independent risk factors associated with unsuccessful weaning from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Higher platelet count was protective (+1 × 109/L; odds ratio, 0.992; 95% confidence interval, 0.986-0.998; p = 0.011). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.81 (95% confidence interval, 0.75-0.88) for the logistic regression model was better than those for the survival after VA-ECMO score (p = 0.002), EuroSCORE (p < 0.001), and the prEdictioN of Cardiogenic shock OUtcome foR Acute myocardial infarction patients salvaGed by VA-ECMO scores (p = 0.02) in this population. The pRedicting mortality in patients undergoing venoarterial Extracorporeal MEMBrane oxygenation after coronary artEry bypass gRafting (0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-0.83; p = 0.29) and sepsis-related organ failure assessment score (0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.70-0.85; p = 0.46) exhibited good performances similar to the logistic regression model. CONCLUSION: Pre-existing hypertension, serum creatinine, serum lactate, and low platelet count were independent predictors for unsuccessful weaning from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.