RESUMO
PURPOSE: There is limited research on the use and outcomes of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) treatment for massive pulmonary embolism (PE). This study compared VA-ECMO treatment for massive PE versus patients treated medically. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with massive PE at one hospital system were reviewed. VA-ECMO and non-ECMO groups were compared by t test and Chi-square. Mortality risk factors were identified by logistic regression. Survival was assessed by Kaplan Meier and propensity matching of groups. RESULTS: Ninety-two patients were included (22 VA-ECMO and 70 non-ECMO). Age (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.03-1.13), arterial SBP (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.94-0.99), albumin (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1-0.8), and phosphorus (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.4-3.17) were independently associated with 30-day mortality. Alkaline phosphate (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.05) and SOFA score (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.06-1.51) were associated with 1-year mortality. Propensity matching showed no difference in 30-day (59% VA-ECMO versus 72% non-ECMO, p = 0.363) or 1-year survival (50% VA-ECMO versus 64% non-ECMO, p = 0.355). CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with VA-ECMO for massive PE and medically treated patients have similar short- and long-term survival. Further research is needed to define clinical recommendations and benefits of intensive therapy such as VA-ECMO in this critically ill population.
RESUMO
Septic shock is a common problem in hospitalized patients. Optimal management depends on rapid recognition, aggressive restoration of circulating volume with fluid boluses, initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy, implementation of adequate monitoring, and meticulous attention to the details of care. Mean arterial pressure should be increased to between 65 and 75 mm Hg as soon as possible to reduce the likelihood of multiorgan dysfunction. Despite these therapeutic maneuvers, however, mortality rates are likely to remain high until the development of therapies that better target the underlying mechanisms of sepsis.