Defining the Cross-Volume Effect of Extracorporeal Life Support on Outcomes of Cardiogenic Shock.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cardiogenic shock (CS) remains a leading cause of mortality despite advancements in mechanical circulatory support and other management strategies. In particular, venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) requires expertise in cardiac surgery, cardiology, and critical care. The benefits of such expertise may extend beyond ECMO patients. METHODS: Adult (≥18 years) hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of CS, not undergoing ECMO, cardiac operations, durable LVAD, or transplantation, were abstracted from the 2016-2020 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Multivariable regression models were developed to assess the association of cardiac surgical and ECMO institutional caseload with clinical and financial outcomes. RESULTS: Of an estimated 70,339 patients with CS identified for study, 33,643 (47.8%) were treated at a high-volume hospital for ECMO (HVH-ECMO). HVH-ECMO was associated with decreased odds of in-hospital mortality (AOR 0.85, CI 0.75 - 0.95), respiratory complications (AOR 0.86, CI 0.79 - 0.94), and non-home discharge (AOR 0.86, CI 0.79 - 0.94). However, HVH-ECMO was associated with greater LOS by 1.7 days (CI 1.3 - 2.1) and inpatient costs by $9,170 (CI $6,490 - $12,060). While ECMO volume was inversely associated with the predicted risk of in-hospital mortality, institutional volume of cardiac operations was not significantly associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest improved outcomes for CS patients treated at a HVH-ECMO. Multidisciplinary care pathways, including those among surgery, cardiology, and critical care, may influence CS management. Further studies are needed to characterize long-term outcomes of regionalization and ensure equitable access for all populations.