Extracorporeal life support in trauma: Indications and techniques.

BACKGROUND: Clarity about indications and techniques in extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in trauma is essential for timely and effective deployment, and to ensure good stewardship of an important resource. Extracorporeal life support deployments in a tertiary trauma center were reviewed to understand the indications, strategies, and tactics of ECLS in trauma. METHODS: The provincial trauma registry was used to identify patients who received ECLS at a Level I trauma center and ECLS organization-accredited site between January 2014 and February 2021. Charts were reviewed for indications, technical factors, and outcomes following ECLS deployment. Based on this data, consensus around indications and techniques for ECLS in trauma was reached and refined by a multidisciplinary team discussion. RESULTS: A total of 25 patients underwent ECLS as part of a comprehensive trauma resuscitation strategy. Eighteen patients underwent venovenous ECLS and seven received venoarterial ECLS. Nineteen patients survived the ECLS run, of which 15 survived to discharge. Four patients developed vascular injuries secondary to cannula insertion while four patients developed circuit clots. On multidisciplinary consensus, three broad indications for ECLS and their respective techniques were described: gas exchange for lung injury, extended damage control for severe injuries associated with the lethal triad, and circulatory support for cardiogenic shock or hypothermia. CONCLUSION: The three broad indications for ECLS in trauma (gas exchange, extended damage control and circulatory support) require specific advanced planning and standardization of corresponding techniques (cannulation, circuit configuration, anticoagulation, and duration). When appropriately and effectively integrated into the trauma response, ECLS can extend the damage control paradigm to enable the management of complex multisystem injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.

Quality of life and functional status of patients treated with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation at 6 months.

PURPOSE: Quality of life (QoL) outcomes of patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have been conflicting. This study reports on QoL outcomes for a broad group of ARDS patients managed with up-to-date treatment modalities. METHODS: We prospectively recruited patients at a quaternary hospital in the United Kingdom from 2013 to 2015 who were treated with ECMO for ARDS. We evaluated their pulmonary function and QoL at 6-months after admission using three QoL instruments: EuroQoL 5D (EQ-5), HADS, and PTSS-14. RESULTS: Forty-three patients included in the analysis had near-normal pulmonary function at 6 months. HADS showed moderate-to-severe anxiety and depression in 32% and 11% of patients, respectively. PTSS-14 showed 29% had signs of post-traumatic stress disorder. EQ-5D showed that 67% of patients had difficulty returning to usual activities, 74% suffered some pain, none reported severe problems and 77% were able to return to work. No clinical or demographic variables were associated with poor 6-month QoL. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ARDS treated with ECMO generally had good QoL outcomes, similar to outcomes reported for patients managed without ECMO. With respect to QoL, VV-EMCO represents a valid treatment modality for patients with refractory ARDS.

Current Use, Capacity, and Perceived Barriers to the Use of Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in Canada.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is a therapeutic option for refractory cardiac arrest. We sought to perform an environmental scan to describe ECPR utilization in Canada and perceived barriers for application to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). METHODS: This was a national cross-sectional study. We identified all cardiovascular surgery- and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)-capable hospitals in Canada and emergency medical services (EMS) agencies delivering patients to those centres. We requested the medical lead from each hospital's ECMO service and each EMS agency to submit data regarding ECMO and ECPR utilization, as well as perceived barriers to ECPR provision for OHCA. RESULTS: We identified and received survey data from 39 of 39 Canadian hospital institutions and 21 of 22 EMS agencies. Of hospitals, 38 (97%) perform ECMO and 27 (69%) perform ECPR (74% of which perform ≤5 cases per year). Of the 18 (46%) sites offering ECPR for OHCA, 8 apply a formal protocol for eligibility and initiation procedures. EMS agencies demonstrate heterogeneity with intra-arrest transport practices. The primary rationale for nontransport of refractory OHCA is that hospital-based care offers no additional therapies. Perceived barriers to the use of ECPR for OHCA were primarily related to limited evidence supporting its use, rather than resources required. CONCLUSION: Many Canadian cardiovascular surgery- or ECMO-equipped hospitals use ECPR; roughly half employ ECPR for OHCAs. Low case volumes and few formal protocols indicate that this is not a standardized therapy option in most centres. Increased application may be dependent on a stronger evidence base including data from randomized clinical trials currently underway.

CONTEXTE: La réanimation cardiorespiratoire (RCR) extracorporelle est une option thérapeutique en cas d'arrêt cardiaque réfractaire. Nous avons voulu faire une analyse contextuelle de l'utilisation de la RCR extracorporelle au Canada et des obstacles perçus quant à son emploi dans les cas d'arrêt cardiaque en dehors de l'hôpital. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Il s'agissait d'une étude nationale transversale. Nous avons repéré tous les hôpitaux en mesure d'effectuer des chirurgies cardiovasculaires et d'offrir l'oxygénation extracorporelle au Canada et les fournisseurs de services médicaux d'urgence (SMU) transportant les patients vers ces centres. Nous avons demandé au chef médical du service d'oxygénation extracorporelle de chacun des hôpitaux et de chacun des fournisseurs de SMU de présenter leurs données concernant l'utilisation de l'oxygénation extracorporelle et de la RCR extracorporelle, ainsi que les obstacles perçus quant à l'emploi de la RCR extracorporelle dans les cas d'arrêt cardiaque en dehors de l'hôpital. RÉSULTATS: Nous avons obtenu les données de 39 des 39 établissements hospitaliers canadiens ciblés, et de 21 des 22 fournisseurs de SMU. Parmi les hôpitaux, 38 (97%) utilisent l'oxygénation extracorporelle et 27 (69 %), la RCR extracorporelle (74 % ayant eu recours à celle-ci dans ≤ 5 cas par année). Parmi les 18 (46 %) centres offrant la RCR extracorporelle en cas d'arrêt cardiaque en dehors de l'hôpital, 8 appliquaient un protocole officiel pour l'admissibilité et les procédures de mise en place. Les fournisseurs de SMU ont montré des pratiques hétérogènes concernant la réanimation en déplacement. La principale raison justifiant de ne pas transporter les patients présentant un arrêt cardiaque réfractaire en dehors de l'hôpital est que les soins en milieu hospitalier n'offrent pas de traitements additionnels. Les obstacles perçus quant à l'emploi de la RCR extracorporelle dans les cas d'arrêt cardiaque en dehors de l'hôpital étaient principalement liés au peu de données appuyant son utilisation, plutôt qu'aux ressources nécessaires. CONCLUSION: De nombreux hôpitaux canadiens équipés pour la chirurgie cardiovasculaire et l'oxygénation extracorporelle utilisent la RCR extracorporelle; environ la moitié d'entre eux utilisent la RCR extracorporelle en cas d'arrêt cardiaque en dehors de l'hôpital. Le faible nombre de cas et le peu de protocoles officiels indiquent qu'il ne s'agit pas d'une option de traitement standardisée dans la plupart des centres. Une utilisation plus fréquente pourrait nécessiter davantage de données probantes, y compris les résultats des études cliniques à répartition aléatoire qui sont en cours.

Caractéristiques de départ et issues chez des patients atteints de COVID-19 hospitalisés dans des unités de soins intensifs à Vancouver (Canada) : série de cas.

CONTEXTE: La pandémie de maladie à coronavirus du syndrome respiratoire aigu sévère 2 (SRAS-CoV-2) est associée à une mortalité élevée dans les unités de soins intensifs (USI). Nous avons voulu décrire les caractéristiques cliniques et les issues des patients gravement atteints de la maladie à coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) en contexte canadien. MÉTHODES: Nous avons procédé à l'étude rétrospective d'une série de cas graves d'infection au SRAS-CoV-2 confirmée en laboratoire hospitalisés dans l'une des 6 USI du Vancouver métropolitain, en Colombie-Britannique (Canada), entre le 21 février et le 14 avril 2020. Les données démographiques, les renseignements sur la prise en charge et les résultats ont été recueillis à partir des dossiers médicaux, électroniques ou non, des patients. RÉSULTATS: Entre le 21 février et le 14 avril 2020, 117 patients ont été admis dans une USI avec un diagnostic confirmé de COVID-19. L'âge médian était de 69 ans (écart interquartile [EI] 60­75 ans); et 38 (32,5 %) étaient des femmes. Au moins une comorbidité était présente chez 86 patients (73,5 %). La ventilation mécanique a été nécessaire chez 74 patients (63,2 %). La durée de la ventilation mécanique a été de 13,5 jours (EI 8­22 jours) dans l'ensemble et de 11 jours (II 6­16) chez les patients qui ont reçu leur congé de l'USI. Du tocilizumab a été administré à 4 patients et de l'hydroxychloroquine à 1 patient. En date du 5 mai 2020, 18 patients (15,4 %) étaient décédés, 12 (10,3 %) étaient toujours à l'USI, 16 (13,7 %) avaient obtenu leur congé de l'USI, mais restaient hospitalisés, et 71 (60,7 %) avaient pu retourner à la maison. INTERPRÉTATION: Dans cette étude, la mortalité chez les patients gravement malades de la COVID-19 hospitalisés dans une USI a été moins élevée que chez les patients d'études précédentes. Ces résultats donnent à penser que le pronostic des cas graves de COVID-19 pourrait ne pas être aussi sombre que ce qui avait d'abord été rapporté.

The Association of Inflammatory Cytokines in the Pulmonary Pathophysiology of Respiratory Failure in Critically Ill Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019.

OBJECTIVES: The majority of coronavirus disease 2019 mortality and morbidity is attributable to respiratory failure from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. The pathogenesis underpinning coronavirus disease 2019-induced respiratory failure may be attributable to a dysregulated host immune response. Our objective was to investigate the pathophysiological relationship between proinflammatory cytokines and respiratory failure in severe coronavirus disease 2019. DESIGN: Multicenter prospective observational study. SETTING: ICU. PATIENTS: Critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 and noncoronavirus disease 2019 critically ill patients with respiratory failure (ICU control group). INTERVENTIONS: Daily measurement of serum inflammatory cytokines. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Demographics, comorbidities, clinical, physiologic, and laboratory data were collected daily. Daily serum samples were drawn for measurements of interleukin-1ß, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Pulmonary outcomes were the ratio of Pao2/Fio2 and static lung compliance. Twenty-six patients with coronavirus disease 2019 and 22 ICU controls were enrolled. Of the patients with coronavirus disease 2019, 58% developed acute respiratory distress syndrome, 62% required mechanical ventilation, 12% underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and 23% died. A negative correlation between interleukin-6 and Pao2/Fio2 (rho, -0.531; p = 0.0052) and static lung compliance (rho, -0.579; p = 0.033) was found selectively in the coronavirus disease 2019 group. Diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome was associated with significantly elevated serum interleukin-6 and interleukin-1ß on the day of diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The inverse relationship between serum interleukin-6 and Pao2/Fio2 and static lung compliance is specific to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in critically ill patients with respiratory failure. Similar observations were not found with interleukin-ß or tumor necrosis factor-α.

The relationship between no-flow interval and survival with favourable neurological outcome in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: Implications for outcomes and ECPR eligibility.

BACKGROUND: The "no flow" interval is the time from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Its prognostic value is important to define for prehospital resuscitation decisions, post-resuscitation care and prognostication, and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) candidacy assessment. METHODS: We examined bystander-witnessed OHCAs without bystander CPR from two Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium datasets. We used modified Poisson regression to model the relationship between the no-flow interval (9-1-1 call to professional resuscitation) and favourable neurological outcome (Modified Rankin Score ≤ 3) at hospital discharge. Furthermore, we identified the no-flow interval beyond which no patients had a favourable outcome. We analysed a subgroup to simulate ECPR-treated patients (witnessed arrest, age < 65, non-asystole initial rhythm, and >30 min until return of circulation). RESULTS: Of 43,593 cases, we included 7299; 616 (8.4%) had favourable neurological outcomes. Increasing no-flow interval was inversely associated with favourable neurological outcomes (adjusted relative risk 0.87, 95% CI 0.85-0.90); the adjusted probability of a favourable neurological outcome decreased by 13% (95% CI 10-15%) per minute. No patients (0/7299, 0%; 1-sided 97.5% CI 0-0.051%) had both a no-flow interval >20 min and a favourable neurological outcome. In the hypothetical ECPR group, 0/152 (0%; 1-sided 97.5% CI 0-2.4%) had both a no-flow interval >10 min and a favourable neurological outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The probability of a favourable neurological outcome in OHCA decreases by 13% for every additional minute of no-flow time until high-quality CPR, with the possibility of favourable outcomes up to 20 min.

Transfusion Thresholds for Adult Respiratory Extracorporeal Life Support: An Expert Consensus Document.

Severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can complicate novel pandemic coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) represents the final possible rescue strategy. Variations in practice, combined with a paucity of rigourous guidelines, may complicate blood-product resource availability and allocation during a pandemic. We conducted a literature review around venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) transfusion practices for platelets, packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, prothrombin complex concentrate, and antithrombin. Pertinent society guidelines were examined, and the practice of Canadian ECLS experts was sampled through an environmental scan. This paper represents a synthesis of these explorations, combined with input from the Canadian Cardiovascular Critical Care (CANCARE) Society, Canadian Society of Cardiac Surgeons, and the Canadian Critical Care Society. We offer a pragmatic guidance document for restrictive transfusion thresholds in nonbleeding patients on VV-ECMO, which may attenuate transfusion-related complications and simultaneously shield national blood product inventory from strain during pandemic-induced activation of the National Plan for the Management of Shortages of Labile Blood Components.

Baseline characteristics and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 admitted to intensive care units in Vancouver, Canada: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Pandemic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is associated with high intensive care unit (ICU) mortality. We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a Canadian setting. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case series of critically ill patients with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection consecutively admitted to 1 of 6 ICUs in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, between Feb. 21 and Apr. 14, 2020. Demographic, management and outcome data were collected by review of patient charts and electronic medical records. RESULTS: Between Feb. 21 and Apr. 14, 2020, 117 patients were admitted to the ICU with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. The median age was 69 (interquartile range [IQR] 60-75) years, and 38 (32.5%) were female. At least 1 comorbidity was present in 86 (73.5%) patients. Invasive mechanical ventilation was required in 74 (63.2%) patients. The duration of mechanical ventilation was 13.5 (IQR 8-22) days overall and 11 (IQR 6-16) days for patients successfully discharged from the ICU. Tocilizumab was administered to 4 patients and hydroxychloroquine to 1 patient. As of May 5, 2020, a total of 18 (15.4%) patients had died, 12 (10.3%) remained in the ICU, 16 (13.7%) were discharged from the ICU but remained in hospital, and 71 (60.7%) were discharged home. INTERPRETATION: In our setting, mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU was lower than in previously published studies. These data suggest that the prognosis associated with critical illness due to COVID-19 may not be as poor as previously reported.

A Blended Prehospital Ultrasound Curriculum for Critical Care Paramedics.

OBJECTIVE: Point-of-care ultrasound is a nascent and growing area of prehospital care. Most previously described ultrasound curricula for paramedics examine a single type of ultrasound scan. Here, we describe the implementation and evaluation of a prehospital ultrasound curriculum using a blended model of traditional didactics and hands-on experience with online prereading. METHODS: We recruited a prospective convenience sample of critical care paramedics without prior ultrasound experience to take part in a 2-day ultrasound course. All participants completed prereading modules built from online resources followed by a didactic review of the material and hands-on practice. Ultrasound examinations included extended focused abdominal sonography in trauma, cardiac ultrasound, thoracic ultrasound, and vascular ultrasound. A written examination evaluated ultrasound theory and image interpretation, and a practical examination evaluated image acquisition. RESULTS: Seventeen critical care paramedics completed the course with a mean grade on the written examination of 76%, with 76% of paramedics achieving the predetermined passing mark of 70% or greater. All paramedics passed the practical examination. CONCLUSION: The implementation of a prehospital critical care ultrasound program is feasible in our provincial emergency medical services system. Further assessment is necessary to determine future knowledge and skill retention as well as clinical application and utility in real-world settings.

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) for emergency cardiac support.

PURPOSE: Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) may provide benefit to patients in refractory cardiac arrest and cardiogenic shock. We aim to summarize our center's 6-year experience with resuscitative VA-ECMO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective medical record review (April 2009 to 2015) was performed on consecutive non-cardiotomy patients who were managed with VA-ECMO due to refractory in- or out-of-hospital cardiac (IHCA/OHCA) arrest (E-CPR) or refractory cardiogenic shock (E-CS) with or without preceding cardiac arrest. Our primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge and good neurological status (Cerebral Performance Category 1-2). RESULTS: There were a total of 22 patients who met inclusion criteria of whom 9 received E-CPR (8 IHCA, 1 OHCA) and 13 received E-CS. The median age for E-CPR patients was 52 [IQR 45, 58] years, and 54 [IQR 38, 64] years for E-CS patients. Cardiac arrest duration was 70.33 (SD 39.56) min for the E-CPR patients, and 24.67 (SD 26.73) min for the 9 patients treated with E-CS who had previously arrested. Initial cardiac arrest rhythms were pulseless electrical activity (39%), ventricular fibrillation (33%), or ventricular tachycardia (28%). A total of 18/22 patients were successfully weaned from VA-ECMO (78%); 16 patients survived to hospital discharge (73%) with 15 in good neurological condition. CONCLUSION: The initiation of VA-ECMO at our center for treatment of refractory cardiac arrest and cardiogenic shock yielded a high proportion of survivors and favorable neurological outcomes.

Anticoagulation practices and the prevalence of major bleeding, thromboembolic events, and mortality in venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to evaluate the safety of anticoagulation in venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). DESIGN: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis using multiple electronic databases. Studies were from 1977 to September 27, 2016. We evaluated the effect of anticoagulation in VA-ECMO on outcomes including major bleeding, thromboembolic events, and in-hospital mortality using a random effects model meta-analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies (1496 patients) were included. Ten studies only had patients with postcardiotomy shock, 4 studies only included extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation patients, and 10 studies had a mixture of patients. Most studies (n=17) were low quality with a Newcastle-Ottawa Scale score ≤5. The summary prevalence of major bleeding was 27% (95% confidence interval [CI], 18%-35%), with considerable between-study heterogeneity (I2=91%). Major bleeding requiring reoperation was the most common bleeding event. The summary prevalence of thromboembolic events was 8% (95% CI, 4%-13%; I2=83%). Limb ischemia, circuit-related clotting, and stroke were the most commonly reported events. The summary prevalence for in-hospital mortality was 59% (95% CI, 52%-67%; I2=78%). CONCLUSIONS: The optimal targets and strategies for anticoagulation in VA-ECMO are unclear. Evaluation of major bleeding and thromboembolic events is limited by study quality and between-study heterogeneity. Clinical trials are needed to investigate the optimal anticoagulation strategy.

Safety and Outcomes of Mobile ECMO Using a Bicaval Dual-Stage Venous Catheter.

There is little published data on the safety and effectiveness of mobile (inter-hospital) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in adults, particularly focusing on the cannulation strategy. We sought to study the outcomes of patients cannulated with a bicaval dual lumen catheter needing mobile compared with conventional ECMO. Specifically, we evaluated the safety of using this cannulation strategy during initiation, in transport and overall performance. Multivariate adjustment was performed to report on adjusted 6 month survival as well as complications and performance from cannulation and the ECMO run. A total of 170 consecutive patients (44 mobile ECMO, 126 conventional ECMO) with severe hypoxemic respiratory failure were included in our cohort from 2010 to 2014. Improved in-hospital survival and adjusted lower 6 month mortality favored the mobile ECMO group (86% vs. 79%; odds ratio [OR] 0.24 [0.07-0.69]). Performance of ECMO and complications were similar between the two groups. There were no serious ECMO cannulation-related complications reported during cannulation and on transport. We conclude that the use of bicaval dual lumen catheters instituted with fluoroscopy guidance at referral sites is safe and should be considered in mobile ECMO patients. Furthermore, mobile ECMO is associated with an unexpected mortality benefit in severely hypoxemic patients. Further prospective study is needed to elucidate this finding.

Current and Future Status of Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest.

Numerous series, propensity-matched trials, and meta-analyses suggest that appropriate use of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (E-CPR) for in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) can be lifesaving. Even with an antecedent cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) duration in excess of 45 minutes, 30-day survival with favourable neurologic outcome using E-CPR is approximately 35%-45%. Survival may be related to age, duration of CPR, or etiology. Associated complications include sepsis, renal failure, limb and neurologic complications, hemorrhage, and thrombosis. However, methodological biases-including small sample size, selection bias, publication bias, and inability to control for confounders-in these series prevent definitive conclusions. As such, the 2015 American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support guidelines update recommended E-CPR as a Level of Evidence IIb recommendation in appropriate cases. The absence of high-quality evidence presents an opportunity for clinician/scientists to generate practice-defining data through collaborative investigation and prospective trials. A multidisciplinary dialogue is required to standardize the field and promote multicentre investigation of E-CPR with data sharing and the development of a foundation for high-quality trials. The objectives of this review are to (1) provide an overview of the strengths and limitations of currently available studies investigating the use of E-CPR in patients with IHCA and highlight knowledge gaps; (2) create a framework for the standardization of terminology, clinical practice, data collection, and investigation of E-CPR for patients with IHCA that will help ensure congruence in future work in this area; and (3) propose suggestions to guide future research by the cardiovascular community to advance this important field.

Anticoagulation Practices during Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Respiratory Failure. A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The optimal anticoagulation strategy for venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) is not known. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety of anticoagulation strategies and monitoring during VV-ECMO for respiratory failure. DATA SOURCES: We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the association between anticoagulation strategies during VV-ECMO and prespecified outcomes, including major bleeding episodes, thrombotic events, and in-hospital mortality. We included articles published between 1977 and January 30, 2015. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scoring system. A separate meta-analysis was not planned. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were independently extracted by two authors and collected on a standardized report form. SYNTHESIS: A total of 18 studies (n = 646) were included; 17 studies enrolled patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Across all studies, the duration of VV-ECMO support ranged from 4 to 20 days. Patients received an average of 2.3 (±3.9) units of transfused red blood cells per day. The bleeding rate across all studies was 16%, and the rate of thrombosis was 53%. Among seven studies (199 patients) targeting a specified activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), there were 37 (19%) major bleeding episodes and 53 (27%) major thromboses. Among five studies (43 patients) with aPTT targets of 60 seconds or greater, there were 24 (56%) bleeding episodes and 3 (7%) clotting events. Three studies (156 patients) with an aPTT target under 60 seconds reported 13 (8%) and 50 (32%) significant bleeding and thrombotic events, respectively. The most commonly reported thrombotic events were circuit-related clotting and deep-vein thrombosis. Mortality during VV-ECMO varied across the studies, ranging from 0 to at least 50% at heterogeneous time points. The total number of deaths for all studies combined was 186 (29%). CONCLUSIONS: The role and optimal therapeutic targets for anticoagulation during VV-ECMO are unclear. Previously published studies are limited by retrospective, observational design, small cohorts, and patient heterogeneity. The clinical significance of reported thrombotic complications is largely unknown. This systematic review underscores the need for randomized controlled trials of anticoagulation strategies for patients undergoing VV-ECMO for respiratory failure.

Curriculum Development and Evaluation of a Hemodynamic Critical Care Ultrasound: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

OBJECTIVE: The application of ultrasound to assess a patient's cardiac function and volume status is becoming commonplace in the practice of critical care. These skills have been taught through varying curricula; however, no consensus on the optimal curriculum has been established. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the literature regarding critical care ultrasound curriculum development and evaluation. DATA SOURCES: Studies were identified using MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, the Cochrane Center Register of Controlled Trials, and ERIC according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines through June 2014. STUDY SELECTION: Included studies were limited to those that described adult (age, > 16 yr) cardiac or hemodynamic critical care ultrasound curricula for physicians. Two reviewers independently screened studies based on predetermined exclusion criteria, and disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were abstracted, and quality was assessed by two reviewers using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Data abstracted from the studies included the learner population, examination type, duration, composition, and setting of the curriculum, means of evaluation, and outcomes. DATA SYNTHESIS: The search yielded 654 studies; of which, 15 met inclusion criteria. All curricula used a combination of didactic and hands-on components. The highest agreement between novice and experts, coupled with the most time-efficient application, was achieved when the study was limited to a basic qualitative approach for the assessment of global function or contractility and assessment of inferior vena cava collapsibility. The mode of delivery seemed most efficient when a hybrid method was used, including online instruction. Minimum scanning competency may be achieved with 30 scans although more rigorous study on this element is necessary. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of cardiac function and volume assessment is becoming an essential skill in critical care medicine. Physicians can be taught bedside echocardiography in a time-effective manner with positive benefit to patients by applying a concise curriculum with limited content.

Early veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is associated with lower mortality in patients who have severe hypoxemic respiratory failure: A retrospective multicenter cohort study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to compare outcomes in patients who had severe hypoxemic respiratory failure (Pao2/fraction of inspired oxygen <100) who received early veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as an adjunct to mechanical ventilation, to those in patients who received conventional mechanical ventilation alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a multicenter, retrospective unmatched and matched cohort study of patients admitted between April 2006 and December 2013. Generalized logistic mixed-effects models and Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the association between treatment with ECMO that was started within 3 days of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and ICU and hospital mortality and length of stay, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 2440 patients who had severe hypoxemic respiratory failure due to various etiologies were included, 46 who received early veno-venous ECMO and 2394 unmatched and 398 matched controls who received conventional ventilation alone. Compared to matched controls, ECMO was associated with a lower odds of ICU (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 0.30 [0.13-0.67]) and inhospital death (odds ratio 0.30 [0.14-0.67]). In addition, ECMO was associated with longer times to discharge from ICU and hospital (hazard ratio, 0.42 [0.37-0.47] and 0.53 [0.38-0.73], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In this observational study, use of early ECMO compared to conventional mechanical ventilation alone in patients who had severe hypoxemic respiratory failure was associated with a lower risk of mortality and a longer length of stay.

Assessment of Paramedic Ultrasound Curricula: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Prehospital ultrasound is being applied in the field. The purpose of this systematic review is to describe evidence pertaining to ultrasound curricula for paramedics specifically, including content, duration, setting, design, evaluation, and application. METHODS: Electronic searches of MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Center Register of Controlled Trials were conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Primary literature describing acute care ultrasound curricula for paramedics were included. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed quality using 2 validated tools. RESULTS: Twelve studies with 187 paramedics were included. Curricula duration varied, with effective curricula teaching focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) in 6 to 8 hours and pleural ultrasound in 25 minutes. FAST, pleural, and fracture-detection ultrasound are being applied in the field by paramedics; however, no literature exists describing application to detect cardiac standstill. Curricula combined didactic and hands-on components including simulation and evaluated competency using sensitivity and specificity of paramedic-performed ultrasound. CONCLUSIONS: Paramedic ultrasound curricula in FAST and pleural ultrasound is feasible and time effective with successful application. Although fracture detection ultrasound is being used by the special operations forces, no comprehensive curriculum was described. Curricula designed to detect cardiac standstill have been too short, and successful application by paramedics has not been shown.