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This study determined whether compared to conventional mechanical ventilation (MV), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is associated with decreased hospital mortality or fibrotic changes in patients with COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome. A cohort of 72 patients treated with ECMO and 390 with conventional MV were analyzed (February 2020-December 2021). A target trial was emulated comparing the treatment strategies of initiating ECMO vs no ECMO within 7 days of MV in patients with a PaO 2 /FiO 2  < 80 or a PaCO 2  ≥ 60 mmHg. A total of 222 patients met the eligibility criteria for the emulated trial, among whom 42 initiated ECMO. ECMO was associated with a lower risk of hospital mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.36-0.96). The risk was lower in patients who were younger (age < 70 years), had less comorbidities (Charlson comorbidity index < 2), underwent prone positioning before ECMO, and had driving pressures ≥ 15 cmH 2 O at inclusion. Furthermore, ECMO was associated with a lower risk of fibrotic changes (HR, 0.30; 95% CI 0.11-0.70). However, the finding was limited due to relatively small number of patients and differences in observability between the ECMO and conventional MV groups., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Only some studies have directly compared and analyzed the roles of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and activated clotting time (ACT) in coagulation monitoring during argatroban administration., Objectives: This study aims to assess the correlation of argatroban dose with ACT and aPTT values and to identify the optimal coagulation test for argatroban dose adjustment., Methods: We evaluated 55 patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) who received argatroban for more than 72 hours. The correlation between argatroban dose and aPTT and ACT values was evaluated. To compare argatroban dose and bleeding events according to liver dysfunction, the patients were divided into 2 groups based on alanine aminotransferase and total bilirubin., Results: Among the 55 patients, a total of 459 doses and coagulation tests were evaluated. The aPTT and ACT values showed a weak correlation with argatroban dose, with the Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.261 ( P < 0.001) and 0.194 ( P = 0.001), respectively. The agreement between the target 150 to 180 seconds for ACT and 55 to 75 seconds for aPTT was observed in 140 patients (46.1%). Twenty-four patients (43.6%) had liver dysfunction when they started argatroban. The median argatroban dose was lower in the liver dysfunction group than in the control group (0.094 mcg/kg/min vs 0.169 mcg/kg/min, P = 0.020). Difference was not observed between the 2 groups in the amount of red blood cell (0.47 vs 0.43 pack, P = 0.909) and platelet (0.60 vs 0.08 pack, P = 0.079) transfusion per day., Conclusion and Relevance: A weak correlation was observed between argatroban dose and the aPTT and ACT values. However, the agreement between aPTT and ACT was only 46.1% regarding the scope of target range. Further research is necessary to determine how to assess the optimal argatroban dose for patients administered argatroban while undergoing ECMO at the intensive care unit., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: Limited data are available on the mortality rates of patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to analyze the relationship between COVID-19 and clinical outcomes for patients receiving ECMO., Methods: We retrospectively investigated patients with COVID-19 pneumonia requiring ECMO in 19 hospitals across Korea from January 1, 2020 to August 31, 2021. The primary outcome was the 90-day mortality after ECMO initiation. We performed multivariate analysis using a logistic regression model to estimate the odds ratio (OR) of 90-day mortality. Survival differences were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier (KM) method., Results: Of 127 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who received ECMO, 70 patients (55.1%) died within 90 days of ECMO initiation. The median age was 64 years, and 63% of patients were male. The incidence of ECMO was increased with age but was decreased after 70 years of age. However, the survival rate was decreased linearly with age. In multivariate analysis, age (OR, 1.048; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.010-1.089; P = 0.014) and receipt of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) (OR, 3.069; 95% CI, 1.312-7.180; P = 0.010) were significantly associated with an increased risk of 90-day mortality. KM curves showed significant differences in survival between groups according to age (65 years) (log-rank P = 0.021) and receipt of CRRT (log-rank P = 0.004)., Conclusion: Older age and receipt of CRRT were associated with higher mortality rates among patients with COVID-19 who received ECMO., Competing Interests: The authors have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose., (© 2024 The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences.)

Background: This study aimed to determine the optimal position of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) draining cannulas for refractory respiratory failure based on short-term clinical results., Methods: In total, 278 patients underwent V-V ECMO at our hospital between 2012 and 2020. Those who underwent V-V ECMO with a femorojugular configuration were included. In the final cohort, 96 patients were divided into groups based on the draining cannula tip site: an inferior vena cava (IVC) group (n = 35) and a right atrium (RA) group (n = 61). The primary outcome was the change in fluid balance and ratio of awake ECMO 72 hours after V-V ECMO initiation., Results: The only significant difference in baseline characteristics before V-V ECMO between the groups was a higher PaO 2 /FiO 2 ratio in the RA group than in the IVC group (79.1 ± 26.21 vs 64.7 ± 14, P = .001). The degree of recirculation and arterial oxygenation, 90-day mortality, and clinical outcomes were similar between the groups. However, more patients achieved negative intake and output fluid balances (57.4% vs 31.4%, P = .01) and reductions in body weight (68.9% vs 40%, P = .006) in the RA group. At 72 hours after V femoral -V jugular ECMO initiation, more patients in the RA group than in the IVC group were managed under awake ECMO (42.6% vs 22.9%, P =.047)., Conclusions: Placement of a V-V ECMO draining cannula in the RA rather than the IVC is more effective for restricted fluid management and awake ECMO without significant recirculation., (Copyright © 2023 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Although extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly utilized, only a limited level of experience has been reported in postpartum cardiopulmonary failure. Ten critically ill postpartum patients who received ECMO were included between January 2010 and December 2018 in this retrospective observational study. The main indication for ECMO support was peripartum cardiomyopathy (n = 5), followed by postpartum hemorrhage (n = 2). Nine patients initially received veno-arterial ECMO, and one patient received veno-venous ECMO. Major bleeding occurred in six patients. The median number of units of red blood cells (RBC) transfused during ECMO was 14.5 units (interquartile range 6.8-37.8 units), and most RBC transfusions occurred on the first day of ECMO. The survival-to-discharge rate was 80%. Compared to the survival outcomes in female patients of similar age who received ECMO, the survival outcomes were significantly better in the study population (56% versus 80%, P = 0.0004). Despite the high risk of major bleeding, ECMO for patients with postpartum cardiac or respiratory failure showed excellent survival outcomes. ECMO is feasible in these patients and can be carried out with good outcomes in an experienced centre.

Background: Little is known of nosocomial infections (NI) in patients who suffer from in-hospital cardiac arrest who undergoing extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This study aimed to investigate clinical pictures of NI, and the association of NIs with clinical outcomes in in-hospital cardiac arrest patients who undergoing extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation., Methods: To evaluate the incidence and clinical characteristics of NI in patients who undergoing extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, a retrospective cohort study was conducted in a single tertiary referral center between January 2010 and December 2018. We included adult patients who undergoing extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for in-hospital cardiac arrest and excluded patients who were out-of-hospital cardiac arrest or failed ECMO implantation. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared between NI and Non-NI patients, or multidrug-resistant (MDR) and non-MDR. The independent risk factors associated with NIs were also analyzed using multivariable logistic regression model., Results: Thirty-five (23.3%) patients developed a NI. These cases included 21 patients with a gram negative (G-) infection, 12 patients with a gram positive (G+) bacterial infection, and two patients with fungal infection. Pneumonia was the most common type of NIs, followed by catheter-related infection. The in-hospital mortality and neurologic outcomes at discharge were not different between the NI and non-NI groups. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens were detected in 10 cases (28.6%). The MDR NI patients had a higher ICU mortality than did those with non-MDR NI (80% vs. 32%, p = 0.028). Following multivariable adjustment, body mass index (adjusted OR 0.87, 95% CI, 0.77-0.97, p = 0.016) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation to pump on time (adjusted OR 1.04, 95% CI, 1.01-1.06, p = 0.001) were independent predictors of NI development., Conclusions: In patients who received extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, NIs were not associated with an increase in in-hospital mortality. However, NIs with MDR organisms do increase the risk of in-hospital mortality. Lower body mass index and longer low flow time were significant predictors of NI development., Competing Interests: The authors have delcared that no competing interests exist.

Background: This study identified predictors of hospital mortality after successful weaning of patients with cardiogenic shock off venoarterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support., Methods and results: Adult patients who received peripheral VA ECMO from January 2012 to April 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. After excluding patients who died on ECMO support, predictors for survival to discharge were investigated in patients who were successfully weaned off ECMO. Of 191 patients successfully weaned off ECMO, 143 (74.9%) survived to discharge. The prevalence of a history of stroke and coronary artery disease, as well as ECMO-related complications, including newly developed stroke and sepsis, was a higher in patients who did not survive to discharge than in those who did. On the day of ECMO weaning, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score and serum lactate were higher in patients who did not survive to discharge, although there was no significant difference in blood pressure and the use of vasoactive drugs between the 2 groups. On multivariable analysis, stroke and sepsis during ECMO support, a lower Glasgow Coma Scale and acute kidney injury requiring continuous renal replacement therapy after weaning were significant predictors for in-hospital mortality., Conclusions: Complications that occurred during ECMO and the presence of extracardiac organ dysfunction after weaning were associated with in-hospital mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock who were successfully weaned off ECMO.

Successful weaning from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) does not necessarily imply patient survival. We retrospectively analyzed 441 patients with acute respiratory failure from 16 hospitals in South Korea who underwent ECMO from January 2012 to December 2015. We evaluated the clinical factors associated with mortality after successful weaning from ECMO. Of all 441 patients, 245 (55.6%) were successfully weaned from ECMO. The majority of patients were initially supported with veno-venous ECMO (86.9%). Among those, 182 patients (41.3%) were discharged from hospital. Only 165 (37.4%) were alive after 6 months. Most cases of death occurred within the first month after weaning from ECMO (65%), and the most frequent reason for death was sepsis (76.2%). In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, patient age (per 10 years) (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.12-1.61; p = 0.001), sequential organ failure assessment score (HR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.02-1.13; p = 0.010), steroid (HR = 2.38, 95% CI = 1.27-4.45; p = 0.007), interstitial lung disease (HR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.05-1.36; p = 0.006), and ECMO duration (per day) (HR = 1.02, 95% CI = 1.01-1.04; p < 0.001) were associated with the in-hospital mortality after weaning from ECMO. Furthermore, age (per 10 years) (HR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.24-1.71; p < 0.001), steroid (HR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.27-3.78; p = 0.005), and interstitial lung disease (HR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.02-1.31; p = 0.021) were significantly associated with 6 month mortality. The prognosis after weaning from respiratory ECMO might be related to baseline conditions affecting the reversibility of the primary lung disease and to acquired infections.

Objectives: Patients on extracorporeal life support (ECLS), like other critically ill patients, are transported to other institutions for various reasons. However, little has been reported concerning the characteristics and clinical outcomes of transported patients compared with those of in-house patients., Methods: A total of 281 adult patients received ECLS between January 2014 and August 2016. Patients who underwent cannulation at another institution by our team were excluded. Patients were divided into 2 groups: transported group (N = 46) and in-house group (N = 235). All 46 patients were safely transported without serious adverse events. The mean travel distance was 206±140 km, with a mean travel time of 78 ± 57 min. Following propensity score matching, 44 transported patients were matched to 148 in-house patients., Results: In the matched population, the mean age was 48 ± 13 years in the transported group and 49 ± 17 years in the in-house group (P = 0.70). The ECLS type (venoarterial/venovenous) comprised 35/9 (79.5/20.5%) in the transported group and 119/29 (80.4/19.6%) in the in-house group (P = 0.93). Seventeen (38.6%) extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitations were performed in the transported group and 59 (39.9%) were performed in the in-house group (P = 0.91). The incidence of limb ischaemia and acute kidney injury was higher in the transported group (P = 0.007 and P = 0.001, respectively). However, the rate of survival to discharge did not differ between the groups (63.6% in the transported group vs 64.2% in the in-house group, P = 0.94) and there was no difference in overall mortality (P = 0.99)., Conclusions: Although transported patients had more complications than in-house ECLS patients, clinical outcomes were comparable in the matched population. Transporting ECLS patients to an experienced centre may be justified based on our experience., (© The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Target temperature management (TTM) and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) have been established as important interventions during cardiopulmonary arrest. However, the impact of combined TTM and ECPR on clinical outcomes has not been studied in detail., Methods: We reviewed the records of 245 patients who received extracorporeal life support (ECLS) between January 2012 and June 2015. Exclusion criteria were as follows: Extracorporeal life support performed for reasons other than cardiac arrest, age less than 18 years, and death within 24 hours. A total of 101 patients were finally included in the study. Twenty-five patients underwent TTM, and 76 patients did not., Results: The patients' mean age was 55 ± 16.7 years. The mean cardiac arrest time was 44.6 ± 33.5 minutes. There were 84 patients whose cardiac arrest was due to a cardiac cause (83.2%) and 79 patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest (78.2%). There was a significant difference in average body temperature during the first 24 hours following ECPR (33.4°C vs 35.6°C; P = .001). The overall favorable neurological outcome rate was 34% and hospital survival rate was 47%. There was no difference in favorable neurological outcomes and hospital survival between the TTM and non-TTM groups ( P = .91 and .84, respectively). On multivariate analysis of neurological outcomes and hospital survival, TTM was not a significant prognostic factor., Conclusion: We did not observe any benefits of TTM in patients undergoing ECPR. Natural hypothermia or normothermia related to ECLS may explain this result. Further research is needed to understand the role of TTM in ECPR.

Background: This study aimed to develop a risk prediction model for neurologic outcomes in patients who underwent extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR)., Methods: Between May 2004 and April 2016, a total of 274 patients who underwent ECPR were included in this analysis. The primary outcome was neurologic status on discharge from the hospital, as assessed by Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC) scale. To develop a new predictive scoring system, backward stepwise elimination and a z-score-based scoring scheme were used on the basis of logistic regression analyses., Results: A total of 95 patients (34.7%) survived until discharge. Of these, 78 patients (28.5%) had favorable neurologic outcomes (CPC scores of 1 or 2). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, significant predictors of poor neurologic outcome included age older than 65 years, initial Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score greater than 13 points, first monitored arrest rhythm, low-flow time longer than 30 minutes, initial pulse pressure less than 25 mm Hg, initial mean arterial pressure less than 70 mm Hg, and serum glucose level greater than 300 mg/dL. There was also a significant interaction between age and low-flow time. The newly developed neurologic outcome score after ECPR (nECPR) more effectively predicted poor neurologic outcome (C-statistic, 0.867; 95% confidence interval, 0.823 to 0.912) than the former ECPR score (p = 0.019) and the survival after venoarterial ECMO score (p < 0.001)., Conclusions: The investigators created a risk prediction model for neurologic outcomes using independent predictors and the interaction between age and low-flow time, and this new scoring system could predict early neurologic prognosis more effectively in ECPR-treated patients. It may be help guide decisions in ECPR management for intensivists, cardiovascular surgeons, or cardiologists., (Copyright © 2019 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Limited data are available regarding mechanical ventilation strategies in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)., Methods: A retrospective analysis of acute respiratory distress syndrome patients on ECMO was conducted in 9 hospitals in Korea. Data on ventilator settings (pre-ECMO and 0, 4, 24, and 48 hours after ECMO) were collected. Based on the effect of the duration and intensity of mechanical ventilator on outcomes, time-weighted average values were calculated for ventilator parameters., Results: The 56 patients included in the study had a mean age of 55.5 years. The hospital and 6-month mortality rates were 48.1% and 54.0%, respectively, with a median ECMO duration of 9.4 days. After initiation of ECMO, peak inspiratory pressure, above positive end-expiratory pressure, tidal volume, and respiration rate were reduced, while lung compliance did not change significantly. Before and during ECMO support, tidal volume and lung compliance were higher in 6-month survivors than in nonsurvivors. In Cox proportional models, both lung compliance (odds ratio, 0.961; 95% confidence interval, 0.928 to 0.995) and time-weighted average-lung compliance (odds ratio, 0.943; 95% confidence interval, 0.903 to 0.986) were significantly associated with 6-month mortality. Kaplan-Meier curves revealed that patients with higher lung compliance before ECMO had a longer survival time at the 6-month follow-up than did those with lower lung compliance., Conclusions: Lung compliance, whether before or during ECMO, may be an important predictor of outcome in acute respiratory distress syndrome patients receiving ECMO. However, this result requires confirmation in larger clinical studies., (Copyright © 2019 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: ECMO use has increased lately. However, differences between adult ECMO and non-ECMO patients admitted to the ICU remain unstudied. In terms of volume-outcome relationship, the impact of ECMO volume on survival has not been validated in a real world cohort., Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of data from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service over 5 years, between August 1, 2009 and July 31, 2014. The ECMO group comprised patients who received ≥1 ECMO run. Data on patient demographics, ICU and hospital length of stay, cost, treatments, and in-hospital mortality were collected. Usage trends were analyzed by 5 one-year periods., Results: Among 1, 265, 508 ICU patients, 6078 underwent ECMO during the study period. The number of ECMO patients rose by 2.5 times, and ECMO hospitals from 50 to 86 between periods 1 and 5. Compared to non-ECMO patients, the ECMO group was younger (59 years vs. 64 years, p < .0001) with more comorbidities. Healthcare expenditure and in-hospital mortality in the ECMO group were higher (US $23,600 vs. $5100; 63.4% vs. 12.6%; p < .0001). Using multivariable analysis, age ≥ 50 years, CRRT, and annual hospital ECMO volume < 20 negatively impacted survival to discharge., Conclusion: The prevalence of ECMO among ICU patients was 0.5%. The expenditure and in-hospital mortality of the ECMO group were four and five times higher than non-ECMO group respectively. An annual hospital ECMO volume ≥ 20 may improve survival to hospital discharge., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Although the utilization of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasing and its technology is evolving, only a few epidemiologic reports have described the uses and outcomes of ECMO. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in utilization and survival rate in patients supported with ECMO for severe respiratory failure in Korea., Methods: This was a multicenter study on consecutive patients who underwent ECMO across 16 hospitals in Korea. The records of all patients who required ECMO for acute respiratory failure between 2012 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed, and the utilization of ECMO was analyzed over time., Results: During the study period, 5552 patients received ECMO in Korea as a whole, and a total of 2472 patients received ECMO at the participating 16 hospitals. We analyzed 487 (19.7%) patients who received ECMO for respiratory failure. The number of ECMO procedures provided for respiratory failure increased from 104 to 153 during the study period. The in-hospital survival rate increased from 30.8% to 35.9%. The use of prone positioning increased from 6.8% to 49.0% (p < 0.001), and the use of neuromuscular blockers also increased from 28.2% to 58.2% (p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that old age (OR 1.038 (95% CI 1.022, 1.054)), use of corticosteroid (OR 2.251 (95% CI 1.153, 4.397)), continuous renal replacement therapy (OR 2.196 (95% CI 1.135, 4.247)), driving pressure (OR 1.072 (95% CI 1.031, 1.114)), and prolonged ECMO duration (OR 1.020 (95% CI 1.003, 1.038)) were associated with increased odds of mortality., Conclusions: Utilization of ECMO and survival rates of patients who received ECMO for respiratory failure increased over time in Korea. The use of pre-ECMO prone positioning and neuromuscular blockers also increased during the same period.

Introduction and Objectives: This study investigated whether the vasoactive inotropic score (VIS) is independently predictive of mortality in cardiogenic shock (CS)., Methods: This study was retrospective, observational study. Patients who were admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit from January 2012 to December 2015 were screened, and 493 CS patients were finally enrolled. To quantify pharmacologic support, the patients were divided into 5 groups based on a quintile of VIS: 1 to 10, 11 to 20, 21 to 38, 39 to 85, and > 85. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality., Results: In-hospital mortalities in the 5 VIS groups in increasing order were 8.2%, 14.1%, 21.1%, 32.0%, and 65.7%, respectively (P < .001). Multivariable analysis indicated that VIS ranges of 39 to 85 (aOR, 3.85; 95%CI, 1.60-9.22; P = .003) and over 85 (aOR, 10.83; 95%CI, 4.43-26.43; P < .001) remained significant prognostic predictors for in-hospital mortality. With multiple logistic regression to remove any confounding effects, we found that the localized regression lines regarding the odds of death intersected each other's (medical therapy alone and combined extracorporeal membrane oxygenation group) path at VIS = 130. In contrast to linear correlation between VIS and mortality for patients treated with medical therapy alone, there was little association between a VIS of 130 or more and the probability of in-hospital mortality for patients who were treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation., Conclusions: A high level of vasoactive inotropic support during the first 48hours was significantly associated with increased in-hospital mortality in adult CS patients., (Copyright © 2018 Sociedad Española de Cardiología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Background: No data are available on the duration of time needed to assess the adequacy of lung function after stopping sweep gas for weaning of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The objective of this study was to investigate changes in arterial blood gases (ABGs) during sweep gas off trials in patients receiving venovenous ECMO., Methods: Data on patients receiving venovenous ECMO, with a weaning trial at least once, were collected prospectively from January 2012 through December 2017. Serial changes in ABGs during sweep gas off trial and clinical outcomes after weaning from venovenous ECMO were evaluated., Results: Over the study period, 192 sweep gas off trials occurred in 93 patients: 115 (60%) failed and 77 (40%) were successful. During the trial, significant changes in blood gases were observed within 1 h in all patients. When serial ABGs were compared according to trial off results, there were no significant differences in the pH, PaCO 2 , and HCO 3 - trends across time points between successful and failed trials. However, PaO 2 (70.6 versus 93.4 mmHg), SaO 2 (91.9 versus 95.2%), and PaO 2 /FiO 2 ratio (164.0 versus 233.4) were significantly lower in failed trials than successful trials within 1 h after stopping sweep gas. After 2 h of trial off, no significant change in blood gases was observed until the end of the trial., Conclusions: No change in blood gases was observed 2 h after stopping sweep gas in patients receiving venovenous ECMO. Based on our institutional experience, however, we suggest monitoring for 2 h or more after stopping sweep gas flow to assess if patients are ready for decannulation. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.

Background: Bacterial pneumonia is a major cause of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. However, it is unknown whether the type of pneumonia, community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) versus hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), should be considered when predicting outcomes for ARDS patients treated with ECMO., Methods: We divided a sample of adult patients receiving ECMO for acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by bacterial pneumonia between January 2012 and December 2016 into CAP ( n = 21) and HAP ( n = 35) groups and compared clinical and bacteriological characteristics and outcomes., Results: The median acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II and sequential organ failure assessment scores were 22 and 8, respectively, in the CAP and HAP groups. The most commonly identified organism in the CAP group was Streptococcus pneumonia ( n = 12, 57.1%), while Acinectobacter baumanii was the most commonly identified in the HAP group ( n = 13, 37.1%). However, the incidence of multidrug resistant bacteria was not different between groups (57.1% versus 74.3%, p = 0.125). Of the 56 patients in the study, 26 were successfully weaned from ECMO, and 20 were discharged from the hospital. There were no significant differences in ECMO weaning rate (47.6% versus 45.7%, p > 0.999) or survival to discharge rate (33.3% versus 37.1%, p > 0.999) between the two groups. The 30-day and 90-day mortality rates were also similar., Conclusion: Patients with CAP and HAP who received ECMO for respiratory support had similar characteristics and clinical outcomes.

Background: The introduction of a continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) device into the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuit is widely used. However, excessive pressure transmitted to the CRRT device is a major disadvantage. We investigated the effects of using additional pressure control lines on the pressure and the lifespan of the CRRT circuit connected to the ECMO., Methods: This is an observational study using prospectively collected data from consecutive patients receiving CRRT connected into the ECMO circuit at a university-affiliated, tertiary hospital from January 2013 to December 2016. The CRRT circuit was connected into the ECMO circuit through the Luer Lock connection without an additional pressure control line in 16 patients (9%, no line group), an additional pressure control line on the inlet line in 36 patients (23%, single line group), and additional pressure control lines on both the inlet and outlet lines in 118 patients (77%, double line group). The outcome measures of interest were compared among the three groups., Results: The median access pressure was higher in the no line group compared to the groups. However, median filter pressure, effluent pressure, and return pressure were higher in the double line group compared to the other groups. There were no significant differences in platelets, lactate dehydrogenase, and plasma hemoglobin among the 3 groups over the time period studied. Median lifespan of the CRRT circuits in the double line group was 45.0 (29.0-63.7) hours, which was higher compared to 21.8 (11.6-31.8) hours in the no line group and 23.0 (15.0-34.6) hours in the single line group, respectively. In addition, in-hospital mortality was lower in the double line group (48.3%) compared to the no line group (68.8%) and the single line group (75.0%)., Conclusions: Additional tubing can be considered a simple and safe method for pressure control and lengthening circuit survival when connecting the CRRT device to the ECMO circuit.

Purpose: To investigate whether the obesity survival paradox, where obesity is associated with improved survival, exists for pneumonia supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)., Materials and Methods: Between January 2014 and December 2015, 223 patients with acute respiratory failure who underwent ECMO in 11 hospitals in South Korea were enrolled retrospectively, and data relating to pneumonia cases were analyzed. Patients were divided into groups according to their pre-treatment body mass index (BMI): obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m 2 ) and non-obese (BMI < 25 kg/m 2 ). The BMI cut-off was adopted from the World Health Organization for Asian populations., Results: In total, 84 patients had pneumonia: obese group, 26; non-obese group, 58 (mean BMI, 27.8 vs. 21.4, p < 0.001). Pre-ECMO parameters and rescue therapy did not differ between the groups. The rate of successful weaning from ECMO was not different between the groups (76.9% vs. 72.4%, p = 0.753), but survival-to-discharge (73.1% vs. 36.2%, p = 0.002) and 6-month survival (69.2% vs. 36.2%, p = 0.005) rates were higher in the obese group. After adjusting for age and the pre-treatment PaO 2 /FiO 2 ratio, low BMI was significantly associated with 6-month mortality (odds ratio 3.28, 95% confidence interval: 1.06-11.03, p = 0.044)., Conclusions: An obesity survival paradox exists in pneumonia supported with ECMO., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: We evaluated whether Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) with some modifications could be used to predict neurological outcomes in patients after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR)., Methods: This was a retrospective, multicenter, observational study of adult unconscious patients who were evaluated by brain computed tomography (CT) within 48 hours after ECPR between May 2010 and December 2016. ASPECTS, bilateral ASPECTS (ASPECTS-b), and modified ASPECTS (mASPECTS) were assessed by ROC curves to predict neurological outcomes. The primary outcome was neurological status upon hospital discharge assessed with the Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC) scale., Results: Among 58 unconscious patients, survival to discharge was identified in 25 (43.1%) patients. Of these 25 survivors, 19 (32.8%) had good neurological outcomes (CPC score of 1 or 2). Interrater reliability of CT scores was excellent. Intraclass correlation coefficients of ASPECTS, ASPECTS-b, and mASPECTS were 0.918 (95% CI, 0.865-0.950), 0.918 (95% CI, 0.866-0.951), and 0.915 (95% CI, 0.860-0.949), respectively. The predictive performance of mASPECTS for poor neurological outcome was better than that of ASPECTS or ASPECTS-b (C-statistic for mASPECTS vs. ASPECTS, 0.922 vs. 0.812, p = 0.004; mASPECTS vs. ASPECTS-b, 0.922 vs. 0.818, p = 0.003). A cutoff of 25 for poor neurological outcome had a sensitivity of 84.6% (95% CI, 69.5-94.1%) and a specificity of 89.5% (95% CI, 66.9-98.7%) in mASPECTS., Conclusions: mASPECTS might be useful for predicting neurological outcomes in patients after ECPR.

Unfractionated heparin (UFH) is currently the standard anticoagulant used in extracorporeal life support (ECLS). However, severe thrombocytopenia occurs frequently during ECLS use and it may be difficult to determine whether this represents heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) or not. In this case, UFH cannot be continued. Because a confirmatory laboratory test requires time, argatroban is empirically used if HIT is suspected. However, many patients are not found to have HIT. In non-HIT patients, the effectiveness and safety of argatroban are unclear. Thus, we investigated whether argatroban was safe and useful in patients who were suspected of having HIT and were started on argatroban, but were ultimately found to have non-HIT.We retrospectively reviewed all patients on ECLS who received the anticoagulant argatroban as an alternative to UFH between January 2014 and July 2015. The pretest clinical score (4Ts) was calculated, and a score greater than 4 was considered an indication for argatroban. The target-activated clotting time or activated partial thromboplastin time was 1.5 times the patient's upper normal value. Of 191 patients on ECLS during the study period, 10 (5.2%) were treated with argatroban infusion.No patients were found to have antiplatelet factor 4/heparin antibodies. The average maintenance dose of argatroban was 0.1 μg/kg/min. Platelet counts increased significantly following argatroban administration (P = .02). There were no anticoagulation-related complications such as bleeding or thrombosis.Our results suggest that argatroban is a safe alternative to UFH for patients with non-HIT on ECLS. Argatroban may have a more significant platelet-preserving effect than UFH, regardless of whether HIT is present.

Bloodstream infection (BSI) occurred in 21 of 121 patients (17%) receiving venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation within the median time of 6 days after initiation (interquartile range, 4-19 days). Longer duration of arterial catheterization and more blood transfusions were independently associated with BSI, which is associated with poor clinical outcomes.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;1-4.

Background: Obesity might be associated with disturbance of cannulation in situation of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). However, limited data are available on obesity in the setting of ECPR. Therefore, we investigated the association between body mass index (BMI) and clinical outcome in patients underwent ECPR., Methods: From January 2004 to December 2013, in-hospital cardiac arrest patients who had ECPR were enrolled from a single-center registry. We divided patients into four group according to BMI defined with the WHO classification (underweight, BMI < 18.5, n = 14; normal weight, BMI = 18.5-24.9, n = 118; overweight, BMI = 25.0-29.9, n = 53; obese, BMI ≥ 30, n = 15). The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge., Results: Analysis was carried out for a total of 200 adult patients (39.5% females). Their median BMI was 23.20 (interquartile range, 20.93-25.80). The rate of survival to hospital discharge was 31.0%. There was no significant difference in survival to hospital discharge among the four groups (underweight, 35.7%; normal, 31.4%; overweight, 30.2%; obese, 26.7%, p = 0.958). Neurologic outcomes (p = 0.85) and procedural complications (p = 0.40) were not significantly different among the four groups either. SOFA score, initial arrest rhythm, and CPR to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) pump on time were significant predictors for survival to discharge, but not BMI., Conclusion: BMI was not associated with in-hospital mortality who underwent ECPR. Neurologic outcomes at discharge or procedural complications following ECPR were not related with BMI either.

Aim: Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) has been shown to have survival benefit in patients who had in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). However, limited data are available on the role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Therefore, we aimed to investigate clinical outcomes and predictors of in-hospital mortality in patients who had OHCA and who underwent ECPR., Methods: From January 2004 to December 2013, 235 patients who received ECPR were enrolled in a retrospective, single-centre, observational registry. Among those, we studied 35 adult patients who had OHCA. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality., Results: Among 35 patients with a median age of 55 years (IQR 45-64), 29 (82.9%) of whom were male, ECMO implantation was successful in all and 10 patients (28.6%) lived to be discharged from the hospital. In 18 cases (51.4%), first monitored rhythms were identified as ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation, that is, shockable rhythm. There were no differences between in-hospital survivors and non-survivors regarding median time of arrest to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) (survivors: 23.5 min (IQR 18.8-27.3) vs non-survivors: 20.0 min (IQR 15.0-24.5); p=0.41) and median time of CPR to ECMO pump-on (survivors: 61.0 min (IQR 39.8-77.8) vs non-survivors 50.0 min (IQR 44.0-72.5); p=0.50). In 23 cases (65.7%), ischaemic heart disease was diagnosed and successful revascularisation was achieved in a significantly higher proportion of the survivor group (8/10 (80.0%)) than the non-survivor group (8/25 (32.0%)) (p=0.02). Witnessed arrest (HR=3.96; 95% CI 1.38 to 11.41; p=0.01), bystander CPR (HR=4.05; 95% CI 1.56 to 10.42; p=0.004) and successful revascularisation (HR=2.90; 95% CI 1.23 to 6.86; p=0.02) were independent predictors of survival-to-discharge in patients who had OHCA in univariate Cox regression analysis., Conclusion: Survival rate for ECPR in the setting of OHCA remains poor. Our findings suggest that ECMO implantation should be very carefully considered in highly selected patients who had OHCA with little no-flow time and a reversible cause., (Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.)

Background: Limited data are available on imaging predictors of neurological outcomes after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). We investigated the association of initial brain computed tomography (CT) findings with neurological outcomes following ECPR., Methods: Between February 2005 and December 2015, a total of 42 patients who underwent brain CT scans within 48 h after ECPR were analyzed. Loss of the boundary between gray matter and white matter (LOB) or cortical sulcal effacement (SE), gray-to-white matter ratio (GWR), and optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) were measured on initial brain CT. The primary outcome was the Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC) scale at discharge., Results: Of the 42 adult ECPR patients, 23 (54.8%) patients survived to discharge and 19 (45.2%) patients had good neurological outcomes (CPC 1 and 2). The area under the curve (AUC) of GWR in the basal ganglia (GWR-BG) was 0.792 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.639-0.901, p = 0.001). ONSD (AUC 0.745; 95% CI, 0.587 - 0.867, p = 0.007) was 5.57 (interquartile range (IQR) 5.14 - 5.98) mm in the good neurological outcome group versus 6.07 (IQR 5.71 - 6.64) mm in the poor outcome group. LOB or SE were more often detected in the poor neurological outcome group (AUC 0.817; 95% CI, 0.682-0.952, p <0.001). The predictive performance of poor neurological outcomes of a composite of GWR-BG, ONSD, and LOB/SE was significantly improved (AUC 0.904; 95% CI, 0.773-0.973) compared to when each brain CT marker was considered separately (GWR-BG, p = 0.048; ONSD, p = 0.026; LOB/SE, p = 0.028)., Conclusions: GWR, ONSD, and LOB/SE on initial brain CT scans are associated with neurological prognosis in patients who underwent ECPR. The new risk prediction model, which uses a composite of GWR, ONCD, and LOB/SE, could provide better information on neurologic outcomes in patients underwent ECPR.

Recently, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support has been increasingly applied in acute respiratory failure. The ECMO brings some advantages for enhancing the capacity of lung regeneration. Thus, the timing of determining irreversibility of the injured lung could be delayed. In this study, we experienced a case of prolonged maintenance of veno-venous ECMO for 104 days that resulted in native lung recovery. In this case, the initial empirical treatment showed no response within 4 weeks with ECMO support but the patient did not want a lung transplantation. With prolonged maintenance of the ECMO, related ethical issues arose, such as how long should the applied ECMO be maintained. Hence, there was a discussion that was centered on the timing of determining futility and ethical issues, while applying the ECMO in acute respiratory failure.

Donor shortage is a major limitation in organ transplantation. Several studies have reported that extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)-assisted organ donation can be successfully completed without inducing warm ischemia in patients with brain death. The present report described clinical experience of three patients (23-yr old man, 32-yr old man, and 41-yr old woman) who underwent ECMO for the evaluation of brain death and organ donation. They donated six kidneys, three livers, and one both lungs without warm ischemia by ECMO. Six kidney recipients successfully recovered normal status without hemodialysis and two liver recipients survived with normal liver functions, but one liver recipient and one lung recipient died 3 and 15 days after transplantation. Our report strongly encourages ECMO-assisted organ donation from brain death patients with refractory cardiopulmonary collapse to achieve improved organ transplantation.

To investigate the appropriateness of the current vancomycin dosing strategy in adult patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), between March 2013 and November 2013, patients who were treated with vancomycin while on ECMO were enrolled. Control group consisted of 60 patients on vancomycin without ECMO, stayed in medical intensive care unit during the same study period and with the same exclusion criteria. Early trough levels were obtained within the fourth dosing, and maintenance levels were measured at steady state. A total of 20 patients were included in the analysis in ECMO group. Sixteen patients received an initial intravenous dose of 1.0 g vancomycin followed by 1.0 g every 12 hours. The non-steady state trough level of vancomycin after starting administration was subtherapeutic in 19 patients (95.00%) in ECMO group as compared with 40 patients (66.67%) in the control group (p = 0.013). Vancomycin clearance was 1.27±0.51 mL/min/kg, vancomycin clearance/creatinine clearance ratio was 0.90 ± 0.37, and elimination rate constant was 0.12 ± 0.04 h-1. Vancomycin dosingfrequency and total daily dose were significantly increased after clinical pharmacokinetic services of the pharmacist based on calculated pharmacokinetic parameters (from 2.10 ± 0.72 to 2.90 ± 0.97 times/day, p = 0.002 and from 32.54 ± 8.43 to 42.24 ± 14.62mg/kg, p = 0.014) in ECMO group in contrast with those (from 2.11 ± 0.69 to 2.37 ± 0.86 times/day, p = 0.071 and from 33.91 ± 11.85 to 31.61 ± 17.50 mg/kg, p = 0.350) in the control group.Although the elimination rate for vancomycin was similar with population parameter of non ECMO patients, the current dosing strategy of our institution for vancomycinin our ICU was not sufficient to achieve the target trough in the initial period in most patients receiving ECMO.

Physical therapy (PT) and early mobilization for critically ill patients have been popularized to decrease the length of hospital stay and to improve the quality of life after discharge. We reviewed our experience of PT and active mobilization for patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in terms of its technical feasibility and safety. Study endpoints were safety events during PT and PT interruptions due to unstable vital signs. Of the eight patients, one patient (12.5%) had venoarterial ECMO, seven patients (87.5%) had venovenous ECMO. Among total of 62 sessions including 31 sessions (50%) of passive range of motion and electrical muscle stimulation, 17 sessions (27.4%) were performed for patients who were sitting in bed or on the edge of bed, two sessions (3.2%) were for strengthening in sitting, 11 sessions (18%) were for standing or marching in place, one session (2%) was for walking. Eight sessions (13%) of sitting were supported with invasive mechanical ventilation. Three sessions (5%) were stopped due to tachycardia (n = 1) and tachypnea (n = 2). There was no clinically significant adverse event in patients. Thus, early PT and mobilization for patients on ECMO might be feasible and safe at an experienced ECMO center.

Objectives: The role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) remains controversial in adult patients with refractory septic shock. We sought to describe the clinical outcomes of adult patients supported by ECMO during septic shock refractory to conventional treatment., Methods: We analysed consecutive adult patients with refractory septic shock, assisted by an ECMO system between January 2005 and December 2013 in a single-centre registry. The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge., Results: A total of 32 patients (21 males) received ECMO support for refractory septic shock. Of these, 14 patients (43.8%) had undergone cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and 7 patients (21.9%) did not achieve the return of spontaneous circulation until initiation of ECMO flow. ECMO was weaned off successfully in 13 patients (40.6%) and 7 patients (21.9%) survived to hospital discharge. The survivors had lower peak lactate (4.5 vs 15.1 mmol/l, P = 0.03), lower Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment day 3 score (15 vs 18, P = 0.01) and higher peak troponin I (32.8 vs 3.7 ng/ml, P = 0.02) than the non-survivors. None of the patients (31.3%) in whom ECMO was initiated more than 30.5 h after onset of septic shock, survived. In multivariable-adjusted models, CPR [adjusted hazard ratio (HR), 4.61; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.55-13.69; P = 0.006] was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality after ECMO in patients with refractory septic shock. Higher peak troponin I > 15 ng/ml (adjusted HR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.12-0.97; P = 0.04) was associated with a lower risk of in-hospital mortality., Conclusions: Survival to hospital discharge remained low in adult patients with refractory septic shock despite ECMO support. Our findings suggest that implantation of ECMO during refractory septic shock could be considered in patients with severe myocardial injury but should be avoided in patients who have received CPR., (© The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Background: Limited data are available on a risk model for survival to discharge after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). We aimed to develop a risk prediction model for survival to discharge in cardiac arrest patients who undergo ECMO., Methods: Between January 2004 and December 2012, 505 patients supported by ECMO were enrolled in a retrospective, observational registry. Among those, we studied 152 adult patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest. The primary outcome was survival to discharge. A new predictive scoring system, named the ECPR score, was developed to monitor survival to discharge using the β coefficients of prognostic factors from the logistic model, which were internally validated., Results: In-hospital death occurred in 104 patients (68.4%). In multivariate logistic regression, age ≤ 66, shockable arrest rhythm, CPR to ECMO pump-on time ≤ 38 min, post-ECMO arterial pulse pressure > 24 mmHg, and post-ECMO Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score ≤ 14 were independent predictors for survival to discharge. Survival to discharge was predicted by the ECPR score with a c-statistics of 0.8595 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80-0.92; p<0.001) which was similar to the c-statistics obtained from internal validation (training vs. test set; c-statistics, 0.86 vs. 0.86005; 95% CI, 0.80-0.92 vs. 0.77-0.94). The sensitivity and specificity for prediction of survival to discharge were 89.6% and 75.0%, respectively, when the ECPR score was >10., Conclusions: The new risk prediction model might be helpful for decisions about ECPR management and could provide better information regarding early prognosis., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Recirculation during veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) is a known drawback that limits sufficient oxygenation. This study aimed to compare the short-term oxygenation and long-term mortality based on cannula configuration in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who receive VV-ECMO, especially in the absence of newly developed dual-lumen, single cannula. Methods: Data of patients with severe ARDS who received VV-ECMO from 2012 to 2015 at six hospitals were retrospectively analyzed. Primary outcomes were the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) at 1, 4, and 12 h after ECMO initiation and 180-day mortality. Results: Patients (n = 335) were divided into two groups based on the return cannula site: femoral vein (n = 178) or internal jugular vein (n = 157). The propensity score matching analysis generated 90 pairs, and baseline characteristics at admission, including PaO2, were similar between the groups. PaO2 at 1, 4 and 12 h after ECMO initiation were not different according to cannula configuration. Moreover, the increment in oxygenation from the baseline values was not different between the femoral and jugular group. PaCO2 level at 1, 4 and 12 h were significantly lower in the jugular group. The two groups did not differ in terms of mortality at 180 days after ECMO, however more cannula-related complications occurred in the jugular group. Conclusion: Regardless of the cannula configuration, patients with ARDS managed with VV-ECMO showed comparable clinical outcomes in terms of short-term oxygenation and long-term mortality. Nevertheless, further well-designed randomized control trials are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There was a pandemic of influenza A (H1N1) in 2009; in Korea, there was also an H1N1 epidemic in 2016. We aim to investigate whether survival had improved in the setting of recent advances in intensive care unit (ICU) management. We conducted a retrospective analysis of acute respiratory failure patients with H1N1 influenza pneumonia in 2016 and 2009 respectively at two tertiary referral hospitals in Korea. A total of 28 patients were treated in 2016, and 34 in 2009. There was no significant difference in SOFA scores on ICU admission day. In-hospital mortality was significantly lower in patients of 2016 compared to those of 2009 (18% vs. 44% P = 0.028). By multivariable analyses, the treatment year 2016 was associated with a greater likelihood of survival. Compared to the patients treated in 2009, those treated in 2016 were one seventh as likely to die after adjusting for other clinical variables (hazard ratio for mortality, 0.15; 95% confidence interval. 0.03–0.63, P = 0.010). Improved survival in patients who underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment (in-hospital mortality, 17% vs. 60%, P = 0.242) and decreased tidal volumes during mechanical ventilation (median 5.4 mL/kg vs. median 9.2 mL/kg, P = 0.018) were observed in 2016 compared to 2009. Treatment outcomes for patients with H1N1 acute respiratory failure improved from 2009 to 2016 in two tertiary referral centers in South Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Limited data are available on imaging predictors of neurological outcomes after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). We investigated the association of initial brain computed tomography (CT) findings with neurological outcomes following ECPR.Methods: Between February 2005 and December 2015, a total of 42 patients who underwent brain CT scans within 48 h after ECPR were analyzed. Loss of the boundary between gray matter and white matter (LOB) or cortical sulcal effacement (SE), gray-to-white matter ratio (GWR), and optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) were measured on initial brain CT. The primary outcome was the Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC) scale at discharge.Results: Of the 42 adult ECPR patients, 23 (54.8%) patients survived to discharge and 19 (45.2%) patients had good neurological outcomes (CPC 1 and 2). The area under the curve (AUC) of GWR in the basal ganglia (GWR-BG) was 0.792 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.639-0.901, p = 0.001). ONSD (AUC 0.745; 95% CI, 0.587 - 0.867, p = 0.007) was 5.57 (interquartile range (IQR) 5.14 - 5.98) mm in the good neurological outcome group versus 6.07 (IQR 5.71 - 6.64) mm in the poor outcome group. LOB or SE were more often detected in the poor neurological outcome group (AUC 0.817; 95% CI, 0.682-0.952, p <0.001). The predictive performance of poor neurological outcomes of a composite of GWR-BG, ONSD, and LOB/SE was significantly improved (AUC 0.904; 95% CI, 0.773-0.973) compared to when each brain CT marker was considered separately (GWR-BG, p = 0.048; ONSD, p = 0.026; LOB/SE, p = 0.028).Conclusions: GWR, ONSD, and LOB/SE on initial brain CT scans are associated with neurological prognosis in patients who underwent ECPR. The new risk prediction model, which uses a composite of GWR, ONCD, and LOB/SE, could provide better information on neurologic outcomes in patients underwent ECPR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dedicated intensive care unit (ICU) physician staffing is associated with a reduction in ICU mortality rates in general medical and surgical ICUs. However, limited data are available on the role of a cardiac intensivist in the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU).Objectives: This study investigated the association of cardiac intensivist-directed care with clinical outcomes in adult patients admitted to the CICU.Methods: This study analyzed 2,431 patients admitted to the CICU at Samsung Medical Center in Seoul, South Korea, from January 2012 to December 2015. In January 2013 the CICU was changed from a low-intensity staffing model to a high-intensity staffing model managed by a dedicated cardiac intensivist. Eligible patients were divided into either a low-intensity management group (n = 616) or a high-intensity management group (n = 1,815). One-to-many (1:N) propensity score matching with variable matching ratios was also performed. The primary outcome was death in the CICU.Results: Death in the CICU occurred in 55 patients (8.9%) in the low-intensity group versus 74 patients (4.1%) in the high-intensity group (p < 0.001). Of 135 patients who underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, the CICU mortality rate in the high-intensity group was also lower than that in the low-intensity group (54.5% vs. 22.5%; p = 0.001). On propensity score matching, high-intensity staffing was found associated with a lower CICU mortality rate in the matched cohort of patients (7.5% vs. 3.7%; adjusted odds ratio: 0.53; 95% confidence interval: 0.32 to 0.86; p = 0.010). In overall and propensity-matched patients, there were no substantive differences in either median length of CICU stay or readmission rates between the 2 groups.Conclusions: The presence of a dedicated cardiac intensivist was associated with a reduction in CICU mortality rates in patients with cardiovascular disease who required critical care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: This study aims to evaluate potential safety events and vital sign changes during active mobilization physical therapy (PT) in critically ill patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Methods: A retrospective review was performed on 29 patients who were treated with CRRT and who underwent 81 PT sessions in a medical intensive care unit at a single referral hospital; 15 patients underwent 33 sessions with passive range of motion (PROM) and 17 patients underwent 48 active mobilization PT sessions. Three patients received both types of PT including 8 PROM and 5 active mobilization PT sessions. The occurrences of safety events and vital sign changes during active mobilization PT sessions were evaluated. Results: The safety events did not develop during 33 sessions with PROM. However, there were 2 safety events (4.1%) during 48 active mobilization PT sessions including one session with mobilization in the bed and the other in a sitting position on the edge of the bed. These safety events exclusively developed during active mobilization PT sessions, in which concomitant extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support and CRRT were delivered. Regarding vital sign changes during PT sessions, there were no significant differences in systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, or peripheral oxygen saturation before and after both PROM and active mobilization PT sessions. Conclusions: This study showed that active mobilization PT can be performed safely in patients who are being treated with CRRT without a significant hemodynamic change. However, the development of potential safety events in patients with ECMO needs to be monitored carefully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate whether early intermittent electroencephalography (EEG) could be used to predict neurological prognosis of patients who underwent extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). This was a retrospective and observational study of adult patients who were evaluated by EEG scan within 96 h after ECPR. The primary endpoint was neurological status upon discharge from the hospital assessed with a Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC) scale. Among 69 adult cardiac arrest patients who underwent ECPR, 17 (24.6%) patients had favorable neurological outcomes (CPC score of 1 or 2). Malignant EEG patterns were more common in patients with poor neurological outcomes (CPC score of 3, 4 or 5) than in patients with favorable neurological outcomes (73.1% vs. 5.9%, p < 0.001). All patients with highly malignant EEG patterns (43.5%) had poor neurological outcomes. In multivariable analysis, malignant EEG patterns and duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation were significantly associated with poor neurological outcomes. In this study, malignant EEG patterns within 96 h after cardiac arrest were significantly associated with poor neurological outcomes. Therefore, an early intermittent EEG scan could be helpful for predicting neurological prognosis of post-cardiac arrest patients after ECPR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]