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Objective: As the global use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment increases, survival rates have not correspondingly improved, emphasizing the need for refined patient selection to optimize resource allocation. Currently, prognostic markers at the molecular level are limited., Methods: Thirty-four cardiogenic shock (CS) patients were prospectively enrolled, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected at the initiation of ECMO (t0), two-hour post-installation (t2), and upon removal of ECMO (tr). The PBMCs were analyzed by comprehensive epigenomic assays. Using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, 485,577 DNA methylation features were analyzed and selected from the t0 and tr datasets. A random forest classifier was developed using the t0 dataset and evaluated on the t2 dataset. Two models based on DNA methylation features were constructed and assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses., Results: The ten-feature and four-feature models for predicting in-hospital mortality attained area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.78 and 0.72, respectively, with LASSO alpha values of 0.2 and 0.25. In contrast, clinical evaluation systems, including ICU scoring systems and the survival after venoarterial ECMO (SAVE) score, did not achieve statistical significance. Moreover, our models showed significant associations with in-hospital survival (p < 0.05, log-rank test)., Conclusions: This study identifies DNA methylation features in PBMCs as potent prognostic markers for ECMO-treated CS patients. Demonstrating significant predictive accuracy for in-hospital mortality, these markers offer a substantial advancement in patient stratification and might improve treatment outcomes., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objectives: Our goal was to determine the predictive role of the combined assessment of the vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) and lactate levels for the prognosis of patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS) requiring venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO)., Methods: The data of adult patients with PCS requiring VA-ECMO between January 2015 and December 2018 at a tertiary hospital were analysed retrospectively. The incidence of in-hospital mortality and other clinical outcomes was analysed. The associations of the VIS and the lactate concentration and in-hospital mortality were assessed using logistic regression analysis., Results: A total of 222 patients were included and divided into 4 groups according to the cut-off points of the VIS (24.3) and the lactate level (6.85 mmol/L). The in-hospital mortality rates were 37.7%, 50.7%, 54.8% and 76.5% for the 4 groups (P < 0.001), and the rates of successful weaning off VA-ECMO were 73.9%, 69%, 61.3% and 39.2%, respectively (P = 0.001). Groups 1 and 2 exhibited significant differences compared to group 4 in both in-hospital mortality and weaning rates (P < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of multiple organ dysfunction between group 1 and group 4 (P < 0.05). Groups 1, 2 and 3 demonstrated significantly improved cumulative 30-day survival compared with group 4 (log-rank test, P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that age, a VIS > 24.3 and lactate levels > 6.85 mmol/L were independently predictive of in-hospital mortality., Conclusions: Among patients with PCS requiring VA-ECMO, the initiation before reaching a VIS > 24.3 and lactate levels > 6.85 mmol/L was associated with improved in-hospital and 30-day outcomes, suggesting that the combined assessment of the VIS and lactate levels may be instructive for determining the initiation of VA-ECMO., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

In-hospital mortality associated with cardiogenic shock (CS) remains high despite the use of percutaneous assist devices. We sought to determine whether support with VA-ECMO or Impella in patients with CS alters specific components of the plasma proteome. Plasma samples were collected before device implantation and 72 h after initiation of support in 11 CS patients receiving ECMO or Impella. SOMAscan was used to detect 1305 circulating proteins. Sixty-seven proteins were changed after ECMO (18 upregulated and 49 downregulated, p < 0.05), 38 after Impella (10 upregulated and 28 downregulated, p < 0.05), and only eight proteins were commonly affected. Despite minimal protein overlap, both devices were associated with markers of reduced inflammation and increased apoptosis of inflammatory cells. In summary, ECMO and Impella are associated with reduced expression of inflammatory markers and increased markers of inflammatory cell death. These circulating proteins may serve as novel targets of therapy or biomarkers to tailor AMCS use., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between plasma soluble ST2 (sST2) levels 24 h after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) initiation and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in patients receiving venoarterial ECMO (V-A ECMO) support., Methods and Results: Data of patients who received ECMO support for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock between January 2017 and July 2019 were retrospectively collected from Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University. Ultimately, 116 patients were included in the present study for analysis. The concentration of sST2 was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The log 10 sST2 levels were higher in patients undergoing CRRT than those who did not (6.06 vs . 6.22, p = 0.019). Patients undergoing CRRT had a lower survival rate than those who did not (32.8% vs . 67.3%, p < 0.001). In the univariate logistic regression analysis, sST2, HCO 3 - , lactate, and creatinine levels 24 h after ECMO initiation were related to CRRT ( p < 0.05). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, HCO 3 - and sST2 were identified as independent risk factors for CRRT use in patients undergoing ECMO ( p < 0.05). The area under receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) for sST2 and HCO 3 - together was 0.72 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.79-0.91), which was better than those of sST2 or HCO 3 - alone (0.63 vs . 0.67)., Conclusions: sST2 and HCO 3 - levels at 24 h after ECMO initiation were associated with CRRT and could predict CRRT use in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock patients undergoing ECMO., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

The use of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is increasing, but mortality remains high. Early assessment of prognosis is challenging and valid markers are lacking. This study aimed to investigate Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet-Lymphocyte-Ratio (PLR) and Procalcitonin (PCT) for early assessment of prognosis in patients undergoing VA-ECMO. This retrospective single-center cohort study included 344 consecutive patients ≥ 18 years who underwent VA-ECMO due to cardiogenic shock. Main exposures were NLR, PLR and PCT measured within 24 h after VA-ECMO initiation. The primary endpoint was all-cause in-hospital mortality. In total, 92 patients were included into final analysis (71.7% male, age 57 ± 14 years). In-hospital mortality rate was 48.9%. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.65 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53-0.76] for NLR. The AUCs of PLR and PCT were 0.47 [95%CI 0.35-0.59] and 0.54 [95%CI 0.42-0.66], respectively. Binary logistic regression showed an adjusted odds ratio of 3.32 [95%CI 1.13-9.76] for NLR, 1.0 [95%CI 0.998-1.002] for PLR and 1.02 [95%CI 0.99-1.05] for PCT. NLR is independently associated with in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing VA-ECMO. However, discriminative ability is weak. PLR and PCT seem not to be suitable for this purpose., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: Patients with cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest undergoing venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) frequently present with blood glucose levels out of normal range. The clinical relevance of such findings in the context of V-A ECMO is unknown. We therefore investigated the prognostic relevance of blood glucose at time of cannulation for V-A ECMO., Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective registry study. All patients receiving V-A ECMO from October 2010 to January 2020 were included if blood glucose level at time of cannulation were documented. Patients were divided in five groups according to the initial blood glucose level ranging from hypoglycemic (< 80 mg/dl), normoglycemic (80-140 mg/dl), to mild (141-240 mg/dl), moderate (241-400 mg/dl), and severe (> 400 mg/dl) hyperglycemia, respectively. Clinical presentation, arterial blood gas analysis, and survival were compared between the groups., Results: 392 patients met inclusion criteria. Median age was 62 years (51.5-70.0), SAPS II at admission was 54 (43.5-63.0), and 108/392 (27.6%) were female. 131/392 were discharged alive (hospital survival 33.4%). At time of cannulation, survivors had higher pH, hemoglobin, calcium, bicarbonate but lower potassium and lactate levels compared to non-survivors (all p < 0.01). Outcome of patients diagnosed with particularly high (> 400 mg/dl) and low (< 80 mg/dl) blood glucose at time of V-A ECMO cannulation, respectively, was worse compared to patients with normoglycemic, mildly or moderately elevated values (p = 0.02). Glucose was independently associated with poor outcome after adjustment for other predictors of survival and persisted in all investigated subgroups., Conclusion: Arterial blood glucose at time of V-A ECMO cannulation predicts in-hospital survival of patients with cardiac shock or after ECPR. Whether dysglycemia represents a potential therapeutic target requires further evaluation in prospective studies., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Background: To evaluate the prognostic value of peak serum lactate and lactate clearance at several time points in cardiogenic shock treated with temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) using veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) or Impella CP ® ., Methods: Serum lactate and clearance were measured before MCS and at 1 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h post-MCS in 43 patients at four tertiary-care centers in Southern Brazil. Prognostic value was assessed by univariable and multivariable analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for 30-day mortality., Results: VA-ECMO was the most common MCS modality (58%). Serum lactate levels at all time points and lactate clearance after 6 h were associated with mortality on unadjusted and adjusted analyses. Lactate levels were higher in non-survivors at 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h after MCS. Serum lactate > 1.55 mmol/L at 24 h was the best single prognostic marker of 30-day mortality [area under the ROC curve = 0.81 (0.67-0.94); positive predictive value = 86%). Failure to improve serum lactate after 24 h was associated with 100% mortality., Conclusions: Serum lactate was an important prognostic biomarker in cardiogenic shock treated with temporary MCS. Serum lactate and lactate clearance at 24 h were the strongest independent predictors of short-term survival.

There are limited data regarding the association between brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels obtained after weaning from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and the outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS)-associated cardiogenic shock.We prospectively obtained data regarding patients (aged ≥ 19 years) with ACS-associated cardiogenic shock who received ECMO and were subsequently weaned off the treatment. BNP levels were collected at 5 time points: pre-ECMO implantation, post-ECMO implantation, pre-ECMO weaning, day 1 after ECMO weaning, and day 5 after ECMO weaning.Of 48 patients with ACS-related cardiogenic shock, 33 were included in this analysis. Mean patient age was 59.0 (50.0-66.5) years, and 5 patients (15.2%) were women. Eight patients had asystole/pulseless electrical activity before ECMO and 14 (42.4%) had 3-vessel disease on coronary angiography. During the 6-month follow up, 12 (36.4%) patients died. BNP levels after ECMO weaning were significantly different between 6-month survivors and non-survivors. Cox proportional hazards model revealed that BNP levels (tertiles) on days 1 and 5 after ECMO weaning were significantly associated with 6-month mortality (hazard ratio, 7.872; 95% confidence interval, 1.870-32.756; 8.658 and 1.904-39.365, respectively). According to the Kaplan-Meier curves, the first tertile had significantly longer survival compared to the third tertile for both days 1 and 5 after ECMO weaning.Post-ECMO weaning BNP levels (days 1 and 5) were significantly associated with increased 6-month mortality in patients with ACS complicated by refractory cardiogenic shock who were weaned off ECMO.

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is often used in critical patients with severe myocardial failure. However, the mortality rate of patients on ECMO is often high. Recent studies have suggested that endothelial activation with subsequent vascular barrier breakdown is a critical pathogenic mechanism of organ damage and is related to the outcome of critical illness. This study aimed to determine whether endothelial biomarkers can be served as prognostic factors for the outcome of patients on ECMO., Methods: This prospective study enrolled 23 critically ill patients on veno-arterial ECMO in the intensive care units of a tertiary care hospital between March 2014 and February 2015. Serum samples were tested for thrombomodulin, angiopoietin (Ang)-1, Ang-2, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were also collected., Results: The overall mortality rate was 56.5%. The combination of Ang-2 at the time of ECMO support (day 0) and VEGF at day 2 had the ability to discriminate mortality (area under receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC], 0.854; 95% confidence interval: 0.645-0.965)., Conclusions: In this study, we found that the combination of Ang-2 at day 0 and VEGF at day 2 was a modest model for mortality discrimination in this group of patients.

The objective of this study is to establish reliable markers for mortality in children with refractory cardiogenic shock who underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. A retrospective observational cohort study was performed at academic children's hospital for forty-three consecutive pediatric patients who required veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support with refractory cardiogenic shock from January 2011 to October 2017. 30-day mortality in this cohort was 39.5% (17/43), and successful ECMO weaning rate was 69.8%. Blood lactate was elevated before ECMO implantation and the lactate peak concentration had significant differences between survivors and non-survivors, 8.4 ± 4.3 vs 13.9 ± 6.6 mmol/L. AUC to ROC curve analysis of lactate peak was 0.745 (p < 0.05), and the best cut-off value was 14.2 mmmol/L (sensitivity: 53%, specificity: 92%). The length of lactate level > 5 mmol/L was the most significant connection to 30-day mortality. Its AUC was 0.722 (p < 0.05), and the best cut-off value was 3.3 h (sensitivity: 67%, specificity: 80%). Non-survivors had significantly higher lactate levels during 0-6 h of ECMO support, compared to survivors, which also persisted at 7-12-h, 13-24-h, and 25-48-h ECMO. However, lactate clearance at 12 h, 24 h, 48 h revealed no significant differences between survivors and non-survivors based on 30-day mortality. Lactate peak and the duration of high lactate concentration before ECMO were reliable markers for 30-day mortality of pediatric patients with refractory cardiogenic shock. Static lactate values after ECMO implantation were associated with mortality while dynamic lactate value was not. Ensuring adequate ECMO support after cannulation and early diagnostic and intervention should be implemented to normalize the lactate level.

Background: Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is increasingly used in cardiogenic shock, but outcomes may differ between patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or end-stage heart failure (ESHF). This study aimed to describe the characteristics of patients with cardiogenic shock due to AMI and ESHF., Methods: Single-center study of consecutive patients with cardiogenic shock due to AMI (n = 26) and ESHF (n = 42) who underwent MCS (extracorporeal life support, Impella or temporary ventricular assist devices). Arterial and venous O2 content and CO2 tension (PCO2), O2-hemoglobin affinity (P50) were measured. Veno-arterial difference in PCO2/arterio-venous difference in O2 content ratio was derived. Acid-base balance was characterized by the Gilfix method. MCS-related complications that required intervention or surgery were collected., Results: Patients with ESHF had lower ejection fraction, higher right and left-sided filling pressures, pulmonary artery pressure and vascular resistance, lower oxygen delivery (DO2) compared with AMI, which was not fully compensated by the increased hemoglobin P50. As a result, patients with ESHF had higher veno-arterial difference in PCO2 relative to arterio-venous difference in O2 content. Despite greater anerobic metabolism, patients with ESHF had less severe metabolic acidosis and base deficit compared with AMI, predominantly due to differences in strong ions., Conclusion: The cardiogenic shock phenotype in ESHF was distinct from AMI, characterized by higher filling and pulmonary artery pressures, lower DO2, greater anaerobic metabolism but less severe metabolic acidosis.

Aims: Patients with fulminant myocarditis (FM) often present with cardiogenic shock and require mechanical circulatory support, including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation. This study sought to clarify the determinants of successful weaning from ECMO in FM patients., Methods and Results: We studied 37 consecutive FM patients supported by ECMO as the initial form of mechanical circulatory support between January 1995 and December 2014 in our hospital. Twenty-two (59%) patients were successfully weaned from ECMO, while 15 (41%) were not. There were significant differences in levels of peak creatine kinase and those of its MB isoform (CK-MB), left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT), and prevalence of cardiac rhythm disturbances. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that a peak CK-MB level of 185 IU/L and LVPWT of 11 mm were the optimal cut-off values for predicting successful weaning from ECMO (areas under the curve, 0.89 and 0.85, respectively). During the follow-up [median 48 (interquartile range 8-147) months], 83% of FM patients who were weaned from ECMO survived, with preserved fractional shortening based on echocardiography. Of the 15 FM patients who were not weaned from ECMO, nine bridged to VAD, and only two were successfully weaned from VAD and survived., Conclusions: These results indicate that myocardial injury, as evidenced by CK-MB and LVPWT, and prolonged presence of cardiac rhythm disturbances are important clinical determinants of successful weaning from ECMO., (© 2018 The Authors. ESC Heart Failure published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology.)

Purpose: ECMO support is an ultimate ratio therapy for patients in refractory cardiogenic shock and is linked to high mortality. We assessed the dynamic characteristics of lactate during ECMO therapy and its predictive role on 30-day mortality., Materials and Methods: Data were retrospectively collected in all patients receiving ECMO support longer than 48h for cardiogenic shock from 01/2008 to 12/2016. Blood lactate was recorded before ECMO implantation, at prespecified timepoints during ECMO support, 1h and 6h post-ECMO as well as peak lactate during ECMO and peak within 24h after ECMO support. Statistical analysis included t-test and ROC-curves to identify cut-off levels for lactate levels to predict 30-day mortality., Results: 139 patients underwent ECMO therapy longer than 48h for refractory cardiogenic shock resulting in a 30-day mortality of 68%. Lactate before ECMO and peak lactate level during ECMO support showed no significant connection to mortality, while lactate and lactate clearance at 24h were predictive for 30-day mortality with cut-off values of 2.15mmol/l and 0.687 respectively., Conclusions: Dynamic course of lactate during ECMO therapy is a valuable tool to assess effective circulatory support and is superior to single lactate measurements as a predictive marker for 30-day mortality., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is an option for mechanical support for patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS). However, the use of VA-ECMO in patients suffering from aortic disease with PCS has not been greatly reported. This is a retrospective review of adult patients undergoing aortic surgery who received VA-ECMO support to treat refractory PCS from August 2009 to May 2016. A total of 36 patients who underwent aortic surgery with VA-ECMO support for refractory PCS were included. Preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative variables were assessed and analyzed for possible correlation with in-hospital mortality. After a mean duration of 3.6 ± 2.9 days, 24 patients (67%) were weaned off VA-ECMO, and 18 patients (50%) were discharged from the hospital. The overall in-hospital mortality was 50%. The main cause of death was multiple organ dysfunction. The survivors had a lower level of preoperative creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), a higher rate of antegrade cannulation, and a lower lactate level at 12 h, respectively. Relevant factors for in-hospital mortality were retrograde-flow cannulation (odds ratio [OR], 2.49), peak lactate levels greater than 20 mmol/L (OR, 5.0), and preoperative CK-MB greater than 100 IU/L (OR, 6.40). Antegrade cannulation may provide better perfusion and should be emphasized to improve outcomes. Additionally, levels of peak serum lactate and preoperative CK-MB may be relevant factors for in-hospital mortality in aortic patients with PCS., (© 2017 International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Objective: There are few data on the role of liver dysfunction in patients with end-stage heart failure supported by mechanical circulatory support. The aim of our study was to investigate predictors for acute liver failure in patients with end-stage heart failure undergoing mechanical circulatory support., Methods: A consecutive 164 patients with heart failure with New York Heart Association class IV undergoing mechanical circulatory support were investigated for acute liver failure using the King's College criteria. Clinical characteristics of heart failure together with hemodynamic and laboratory values were analyzed by logistic regression., Results: A total of 45 patients (27.4%) with heart failure developed subsequent acute liver failure with a hospital mortality of 88.9%. Duration of heart failure, cause, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, use of vasopressors, central venous pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, pulmonary pulsatility index, cardiac index, and transaminases were not significantly associated with acute liver failure. Repeated decompensation, atrial fibrillation (P < .001) and the use of inotropes (P = .007), mean arterial (P = .005) and pulmonary pressures (P = .042), cholinesterase, international normalized ratio, bilirubin, lactate, and pH (P < .001) were predictive of acute liver failure in univariate analysis only. In multivariable analysis, decreased antithrombin III was the strongest single measurement indicating acute liver failure (relative risk per %, 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.77-0.93; P = .001) and remained an independent predictor when adjustment for the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score was performed (relative risk per %, 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.80-0.99; P = .031). Antithrombin III less than 59.5% was identified as a cutoff value to predict acute liver failure with a corresponding sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 87%., Conclusions: In addition to the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, decreased antithrombin III activity tends to be superior in predicting acute liver failure compared with traditionally thought predictors. Antithrombin III measurement may help to identify patients more precisely who are developing acute liver failure during mechanical circulatory support., (Copyright © 2017 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial infarction is an indication for emergent coronary artery bypass grafting in patients not amenable to percutaneous coronary intervention. Our study aimed to evaluate and identify risk factors for early and long-term outcomes in such patients., Methods: A total of 508 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting for cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction between January 2000 and June 2014 were divided into 3 time cohorts: 2000 to 2004 (n=204), 2005 to 2009 (n=166), and 2010 to 2014 (n=138). Predictors of in-hospital mortality for each time cohort and long-term mortality for all patients were identified by logistic and Cox regression analyses, respectively., Results: Mean age was 68.3±9.8 years. Of the 508 patients, 78.5% had 3-vessel and 47.1% had left main disease. Left ventricular function <30% was observed in 44.1% of patients, with 30.4%, 37.9%, 52.9%, and 3.1% requiring preoperative resuscitation, ventilation, intra-aortic balloon pump, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, respectively. Overall in-hospital mortality was 33.7%; declined from 42.2% to 30.7% to 24.6%, respectively, for the 3 time cohorts (P=0.02); and was independently predicted by serum lactate >4 mmol/L (odds ratio [OR], 4.78; 95% confidence interval, 2.88-7.95; P<0.0001), ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (OR, 2.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.36-3.26; P=0.001), age >75 years (OR, 2.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-3.85; P=0.03), and left ventricular ejection fraction <30% (OR, 1.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-2.91; P=0.01). Cumulative survival was 42.6±2.0% and 33.4±2.0% at 5 and 10 years, respectively, and correspondingly improved to 64.3±3.0% and 49.8±3.0% in hospital survivors. Serum lactate >4 mmol/L (OR, 2.2; P<0.0001), incremental age (OR, 1.05; P<0.0001), New York Heart Association class IV (OR, 1.33; P=0.02), diabetes mellitus (OR, 1.39; P=0.005), and preoperative inotropic (OR, 2.61; P=0.001) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (OR, 1.68; P=0.05) support predicted late mortality., Conclusions: Emergency coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock is associated with a high in-hospital mortality, which showed a significant decline with time. Hospital survivors have good long-term outcomes, which demonstrate the beneficial effect of surgical revascularization. Preoperative serum lactate >4 mmol/L is a strong predictor of both early and late mortality., (© 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.)

Background: Extracellular peroxiredoxin 1 (Prdx1) has been implicated to play a pivotal role in regulating inflammation; however, its function in tissue hypoxia-induced inflammation, such as severe cardiogenic shock patients, has not yet been defined. Thus, the objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that Prdx1 possesses prognostic value and instigates systemic inflammatory response syndrome in cardiogenic shock patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support., Methods: We documented the early time course evolution of circulatory Prdx1, hypoxic marker carbonic anhydrase IX, inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, and danger signaling receptors (TLR4 and CD14) in a cohort of cardiogenic shock patients within 1 day after ECMO support. In vitro investigations employing cultured murine macrophage cell lines and human monocytes were applied to clarify the relationship between Prdx1 and inflammatory response., Results: Prdx1 not only peaked earlier than all the other cytokines we studied during the initial course, but also predicted a worse outcome in patients who had higher initial Prdx1 plasma levels. The Prdx1 levels in patients positively correlated with hypoxic markers carbonic anhydrase IX and lactate, and inflammatory cytokines. In vitro study demonstrated that hypoxia/reoxygenation induced Prdx1 release from human monocytes and enhanced the responsiveness of the monocytes in Prdx1-induced cytokine secretions. Furthermore, functional inhibition by Prdx1 antibody implicated a crucial role of Prdx1 in hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced IL-6 secretion., Conclusions: Prdx1 release during the early phase of ECMO support in cardiogenic shock patients is associated with the development of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and poor clinical outcomes. Thus, circulating Prdx1 provides not only prognostic information but may be a promising target against ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Severe acute heart failure requires immediate intensive care unit (ICU) treatment, but prognosis and outcome of further treatment regimens largely depends on the preprocedural status of the patient. Especially, multiorgan failure including mechanical ventilation are unfavorable predictors of clinical outcome. Here, we report a strategy of immediate initiation of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in awake and spontaneously breathing patients with acute heart failure to achieve early multiorgan recovery and gain sufficient time for further treatment planning. Twenty-three patients with severe cardiac failure refractory to standard medical management underwent ECLS treatment, after first clinical signs of cardiac failure appeared to avoid mechanical ventilation. Hemodynamic parameters and renal and liver functions were monitored. Outcome at 1 and 6 months was determined. Patients 46.1 ± 15.5 years of age were placed on ECLS due to various underlying diagnosis: ischemic heart disease (n = 6), dilatative cardiomyopathy (n = 4), myocarditis (n = 2), graft failure following heart transplantation (n = 6), or other diseases (n = 5). ECLS lasted 11.9 ± 12.9 days. Hemodynamic stabilization was achieved immediately after ECLS initiation. Vasopressors were reduced subsequently and the cardiac situation improved indicated by central venous saturation, which increased from 38.5 ± 11.3% before to 74.26 ± 8.4% (P < 0.0001) 24 h after ECLS initiation. Similarly, serum lactate levels decreased from 4.7 ± 4.6 to 1.7 ± 1.51 mmol/L (P = 0.003). Cumulative 30-day survival was 87.5%, and 6-month survival was 70.8%. In acute cardiac failure, early ECLS treatment is a safe, feasible treatment in awake patients allowing a gain of time for final decision. Moreover, this strategy avoids complications associated with sedation and mechanical ventilation and leads to recovery of secondary organ function, enabling destination therapy., (Copyright © 2015 International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Objective: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used to support postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock patients. Elevated serum lactate levels might reflect hypoxia in the tissues, which is associated with mortality in critically ill patients. This study examined the association between the early dynamic behavior of lactate and mortality after ECMO support., Methods: We included 123 adult patients who had undergone cardiac surgery and received venous-arterial ECMO implantation to treat refractory postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock. The dynamic behaviors of lactate within 6 hours and 12 hours after the beginning of the ECMO support were incorporated into 2 regression models., Results: A total of 56% of the patients were successfully weaned from ECMO support. The in-hospital mortality was 65.9% overall. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.1 in the 6-hour model; 1.1 in the 12-hour model), gender (female; OR: 5.6 in the 6-hour model; 7.7 in the 12-hour model), mean lactate concentration (OR: 1.1 in the 6-hour model; 1.2 in the 12-hour model) and lactate clearance (OR: 0.5 in the 6-hour model; 0.1 in the 12-hour model) were reliable predictors (P < .05) of in-hospital mortality. The mean lactate concentration (C statistic: 0.71) and lactate clearance (C statistic: 0.72) 12 hours after the initiation of ECMO support provided better prognostic guidance. The mean lactate concentration (OR: 1.2) and lactate clearance (OR: 0.3) were able to predict successful weaning from ECMO in the 12-hour model only., Conclusions: In addition to age and gender (female), early lactate behaviors, particularly lactate clearance, after ECMO support are highly associated with in-hospital mortality in postcardiotomy patients. Additionally, early lactate behavior is also predictive of successful weaning from ECMO., (Copyright © 2015 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Hemolysis is common in all extracorporeal circuits as evident by the elevated plasma free hemoglobin (PFHb) level. We investigated whether increased hemolysis during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an independent mortality predictor., Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study of consecutive subjects who received ECMO at a tertiary care facility from 2007-2013 to investigate independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. We examined variables related to patient demographics, comorbidities, markers of hemolysis, ECMO characteristics, transfusion requirements, and complications. 24-hour PFHb > 50 mg/dL was used as a marker of severe hemolysis., Results: 154 patients received ECMO for cardiac (n = 115) or pulmonary (n = 39) indications. Patients' mean age was 51 years and 75.3% were males. Compared to nonsurvivors, survivors had lower pre-ECMO lactic acid (p = 0.026), lower 24-hour lactic acid (p = 0.023), shorter ECMO duration (P = 0.01), fewer RBC transfusions on ECMO (p = 0.008) and lower level of PFHb 24-hours post ECMO implantation (p = 0.029). 24-hour PFHb > 50 mg/dL occurred in 3.9 % versus 15.5% of survivors and nonsurvivors, respectively, p = 0.002. A Cox proportional hazard analysis identified PFHb > 50 mg/dL 24-hours post ECMO as an independent predictor of mortality (OR= 3.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.3 - 8.8, p = 0.011)., Conclusion: PFHb > 50 mg/dL checked 24-hour post ECMO implantation is a useful tool to predict mortality. We propose the routine checking of PFHb 24-hours after ECMO initiation for early identification and treatment of the cause of hemolysis.

Purpose: A new hemoadsorption device intended as adjunctive treatment for patients with elevated cytokine levels in the setting of SIRS and sepsis has shown promising results. We report on the beneficial application of the device in a patient with cardiogenic septic shock receiving combined extracorporeal life support with rECMO, LVAD, and CVVH despite his highly septic condition., Methods: A 39-year-old patient presented with fulminant ARDS and cardiogenic septic shock. A veno-arterial ECMO was implanted for circulatory support. During the course of illness, the patient developed acute renal failure in addition to his chronic renal insufficiency, making initiation of CVVH necessary. Due to a complete cardiac arrest in both ventricles, a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) in combination with right ECMO (rECMO) was implanted despite manifest septic conditions. In the post-operative course IL-6 levels and vasopressor dosages increased drastically. A CytoSorb hemoadsorption device was therefore installed in the CVVH circuit and 3 sessions were run during the following 4 days., Results: During CytoSorb treatment, inflammatory markers IL-6, procalcitonin, and C-reactive protein decreased concomitant with significantly reduced vasopressor support. No adverse device-related side effects were documented during or after the treatment sessions., Conclusions: This is the first clinical case report of a highly septic patient treated with the combined use of LVAD, rECMO, CVVH, and CytoSorb. The combination was practical, technically feasible, and beneficial for the patient. This combination represents a reasonable approach to improve survival in patients with multiple organ dysfunction necessitating several organ supportive techniques.

Background: RotaFlow and Levitronix CentriMag veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support systems have been investigated as treatment for refractory cardiogenic shock (CS)., Methods: Between 2004 and 2012, 119 consecutive adult patients were supported on RotaFlow (n = 104) or CentriMag (n = 15) ECMO at our institution (79 men; age 57.3 ± 12.5 years, range:19-78 years). Indications for support were: failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass in the setting of postcardiotomy (n = 47) and primary graft failure (n = 26); post-acute myocardial infarction CS (n = 11); acute myocarditis (n = 3); and CS on chronic heart failure (n = 32)., Results: A central ECMO setting was established in 64 (53.7%) patients while peripherally in 55 (46.2%). Overall mean support time was 10.9 ± 8.7 days (range:1-43 days). Forty-two (35.2%) patients died on ECMO. Overall success rate, in terms of survival on ECMO (n = 77), weaning from mechanical support (n = 51; 42.8%) and bridge to heart transplantation (n = 26; 21.8%), was 64.7%. Sixty-eight (57.1%) patients were successfully discharged. Stepwise logistic regression identified blood lactate level and CK-MB relative index at 72 h after ECMO initiation, and number of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) transfused on ECMO as significant predictors of mortality (p = 0.011, odds ratio [OR] = 2.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11-3.12; p = 0.012, OR = 2.81, 95% CI = 1.02-2.53; and p = 0.012, OR = 1.94; 95% CI = 1.02-5.21; respectively). Central ECMO population had a higher rate of continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) need and bleeding events when compared with the peripheral setting., Conclusions: Patients with a poor hemodynamic status may benefit by rapid insertion of veno-arterial ECMO. The blood lactate level, CK-MB relative index and PRBCs transfused should be strictly monitored during ECMO support., (© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: The RotaFlow (Maquet, Jostra Medizintechnik AG, Hirrlingen, Germany) and Levitronix CentriMag (Levitronix LCC, Waltham, MA, USA) veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support systems have been investigated as treatment for refractory cardiogenic shock., Methods: Between 2004 and 2012, 119 consecutive adult patients were supported on RotaFlow (n=104) or CentriMag (n=15) ECMO at our Institution (79 men; mean age 57.3 ± 12.5 years, range 19-78 years). Indications for support were: failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass in the setting of postcardiotomy (n=47) and primary graft failure (n=26); post-acute myocardial infarction cardiogenic shock (n=11); acute myocarditis (n=3), and cardiogenic shock on chronic heart failure (n=32)., Results: A central ECMO setting was established in 64 (53.7%) patients while peripherally in 55 (46.2%). Overall mean support time was 10.9 ± 8.7 days (range 1-43 days). Forty-two (35.2%) patients died on ECMO. Overall success rate, in terms of survival on ECMO (n=77), weaning from mechanical support (n=51; 42.8%) and bridge to heart transplantation (n=26; 21.8%), was 64.7%. Sixty-eight (57.1%) patients were successfully discharged. Stepwise logistic regression identified blood lactate levels and creatine kinase-MB relative index at 72h after ECMO initiation, and number of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) transfused on ECMO as significant predictors of mortality. Central ECMO population had a higher rate of continuous veno-venous hemofiltration need and bleeding events compared with the peripheral setting., Conclusions: ECMO support provides encouraging results in different subsets of patients in cardiogenic shock. Blood lactate levels, creatine kinase-MB relative index and PRBCs transfused should be strictly monitored during veno-arterial ECMO running. Type of ECMO implantation, if peripheral or central, should be decided according to the specific patient subset.

Purpose: The relationship between near-infrared spectroscopy cerebral oximetry (CrSO2), peripheral oximetry (PrSO2) and hemodynamic variables is not fully understood., Methods: The relationship between CrSO2/PrSO2 and cardiac index (CI), systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in patients experiencing cardiogenic shock and those undergoing venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was retrospectively analyzed; in patients on ECMO, total circulatory index (TCI) was calculated from the sum of CI and extracorporeal blood flow index., Results: In patients experiencing cardiogenic shock (n=10), significant correlations between PrSO2 values and CI (Spearman r=0.81; P<.0001), SVRI (r=-0.45; P<.0001), and MAP (r=0.58; P<.0001) were found. Significant correlations between CrSO2 and CI (r=0.55; P<.0001) and SVRI (r=-0.47; P<.0001), but not MAP, were observed. Linear regression analysis revealed that CI could be calculated using the following equation: CI=PrSO2/24.0. In patients on VA ECMO (n=12), significant correlations were found between PrSO2 and TCI (r=0.68; P<.0001), SVRI (r=-0.47; P<.0001), and MAP (r=0.27; P=.025). Significant correlations were also found between CrSO2 and TCI (r=0.68; P<.0001) and SVRI (r=-0.51; P<.0001), but not MAP., Conclusions: Results of the present study suggest that CrSO2 and PrSO2 in particular can be used for noninvasive estimation and monitoring of global circulatory status in patients experiencing cardiogenic shock and individuals undergoing ECMO., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Circulatory assist devices such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are indicated in cases of cardiogenic shock refractory to optimal conventional treatment. Bleeding is a serious complication of such systems, mainly due to coagulation disorders caused by continuous administration of heparin, as well as platelet dysfunction. Serial coagulation and hemoglobin (Hb) measurements are essential. Hb measurements can be performed through repeated arterial blood gasometry, and more recently with a new spectrophotometric sensor, Masimo Rainbow Radical-7® device, which gives Hb values continuously and non-invasively. We report a case of a patient undergoing cardiac surgery who required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe cardiogenic shock immediately after surgery. We compare the correlation and the level of agreement with Hb levels measured by 2 existing systems in clinical practice. Our results indicate that the Masimo® spectrophotometric monitor showed statistically comparable Hb values, in the correlation (r=.85; P<.01) and in agreement with those obtained by serial blood gas analyzer, ABL800 FLEX® (wavelength). In view of these results we consider the Masimo® device as a valid alternative for the continuous follow-up of the Hb and control of bleeding in these patients., (Copyright © 2013 Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor. Published by Elsevier España. All rights reserved.)

Two centrifugal pumps, the RotaFlow (Maquet, Jostra Medizintechnik AG, Hirrlingen, Germany) and Levitronix CentriMag (Levitronix LCC, Waltham, MA, USA), used in central or peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support systems have been investigated, in terms of double-center experience, as treatment for patients with refractory cardiogenic shock (CS). Between January 2006 and December 2012, 228 consecutive adult patients were supported on RotaFlow (n=213) or CentriMag (n=15) ECMO, at our institutions (155 men; age 58.3±10.5 years, range: 19-84 years). Indications for support were: failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass in the setting of postcardiotomy (n=118) and primary donor graft failure (n=37); postacute myocardial infarction CS (n=27); acute myocarditis (n=6); and CS on chronic heart failure (n=40). A peripheral ECMO setting was established in 126 (55.2%) patients while it was established centrally in 102 (44.7%). Overall mean support time was 10.9±9.7 days (range: 1-43 days). Eighty-four (36.8%) patients died on ECMO. Overall success rate, in terms of survival on ECMO (n=144), weaning from mechanical support (n=107; 46.9%), bridge to mid-long-term ventricular assist device (n=6; 2.6%), and bridge to heart transplantation (n=31; 13.5%), was 63.1%. One hundred twenty-two (53.5%) patients were successfully discharged. Stepwise logistic regression identified blood lactate level and MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CK-MB) relative index at 72 h after ECMO initiation, and number of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) transfused on ECMO as significant predictors of mortality on ECMO (P=0.010, odds ratio [OR]=2.94; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.10-3.14; P=0.010, OR=2.82, 95% CI=1.014-3.721; and P=0.011, OR=2.69; 95% CI=1.06-4.16, respectively). Central ECMO population had significantly higher rate of continuous veno-venous hemofiltration need and bleeding requiring surgery events compared with the peripheral ECMO setting population. No significant differences were seen by comparing the RotaFlow and CentriMag populations in terms of device performance. At follow-up, persistent heart failure with left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF)≤40% was a risk factor after hospital discharge. Patients with a poor hemodynamic status may benefit from rapid central or peripheral insertion of ECMO. The blood lactate level, CK-MB relative index, and PRBCs transfused should be strictly monitored during ECMO support. In addition, early ventricular assist device placement or urgent listing for heart transplant should be considered in patients with persistent impaired LVEF after ECMO., (Copyright © 2014 International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the effects and functional outcome of central extracorporeal life support (ECLS) with left ventricular decompression for the treatment of refractory cardiogenic shock and lung failure., Methods: Between August 2010 and August 2013, 12 consecutive patients (2 female) with a mean age of 31.6 ± 15.1 years received central ECLS with left ventricular decompression for the treatment of refractory cardiogenic shock and lung failure. Underlying disease was acute cardiac decompensation due to dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 3, 25%), coronary artery disease with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (n = 3, 25%), and acute myocarditis (n = 6, 50%). We routinely implemented ECLS by cannulating the ascending aorta, right atrium and inserting a left ventricular decompression cannula vent via the right superior pulmonary vein., Results: All patients were successfully bridged to either recovery (n = 3, 25%), long-term biventricular support (n = 6, 50%) or cardiac transplantation (n = 3, 25%). Seven patients (58.3%) were discharged after a mean hospital stay of 42 ± 11.9 days. The overall survival from ECLS implantation to the end of the study was 58.3%. The cumulative ICU stay was 23.1 ± 9.6 days. The length of support was 8.0 ± 4.3 days (range 3-17 days)., Conclusions: We strongly recommend left ventricular decompression in refractory cardiogenic shock and lung failure to avoid pulmonary edema, left heart distension and facilitate myocardial recovery.

Objectives: Therapy refractory cardiogenic shock is associated with dismal outcome. Percutaneous implantation of an extracorporeal life support (ECLS) system achieves immediate cardiopulmonary stabilization, sufficient end-organ perfusion and reduction of subsequent multiorgan failure (MOF)., Methods: Forty-one patients undergoing percutaneous ECLS implantation for cardiogenic shock from February 2012 until August 2013 were retrospectively analysed. Mean age was 52 ± 13 years, 6 (15%) were female. Mean pH values obtained before ECLS implantation were 7.15 ± 0.24, mean lactate concentration was 11.7 ± 6.4 mmol/l. Levels obtained 6 h after ECLS implantation were 7.30 ± 0.14 and 8.7 ± 5.0 mmol/l, respectively. In 23 patients (56%) cardiogenic shock resulted from an acute coronary syndrome in 13 (32%) from cardiomyopathy, in 5 (12%) from other causes. Twenty-seven (66%) had been resuscitated, in 14 (34%) implantation was performed under ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Of note, 97% of the acute coronary syndrome patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) either before ECLS implantation or under ECLS support. Extracorporeal life support implantation was performed on scene (Emergency Department, Cath Lab, Intensive Care Unit) by a senior cardiac surgeon and a trained perfusionist, in 8 cases (20%) in the referring hospital., Results: Thirty-day mortality was 51% [21 patients, due to MOF (n = 14), cerebral complications (n = 6) and heart failure (n = 1)]. Logistic regression analysis identified 6-h pH values as an independent risk factor of 30-day mortality (P < 0.001, OR = 0.000, 95% CI 0.000-0.042). Neither CPR nor implantation under ongoing CPR resulted in significant differences. In 26 cases (63%), the ECLS system could be explanted, after mean support of 169 ± 67 h. Seven of these patients received cardiac surgery [ventricular assist device implantation (n = 4), heart transplantation (n = 1), other procedures (n = 2)]., Conclusions: Due to the evolution of transportable ECLS systems and percutaneous techniques implantation on scene is feasible. Extracorporeal life support may serve as a bridge-to-decision and bridge-to-treatment device. Neurological evaluation before ventricular assist device implantation and PCI under stable conditions are possible. Despite substantial mortality, ECLS implantation in selected patients by an experienced team offers additional support to conventional therapy as well as CPR and allows survival in patients that otherwise most likely would have died. This concept has to be implemented in cardiac survival networks in the future.

Background: No prognostic markers of myocardial recovery in patients with refractory cardiogenic shock requiring circulatory support are known, but early identification of patients who will not recover might provide an opportunity to change the treatment strategy to improve outcome. Because N-terminal fragment of the B-type natriuretic peptide, troponin Ic, midregional fragment of the proatrial natriuretic peptide, proadrenomedullin, and copeptin are prognostic markers in patients with cardiac failure, we hypothesized that, among patients with refractory cardiogenic shock of potentially reversible cause supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), the kinetics of these markers might help identify patients who would recover., Methods: This was a prospective, observational, single-center study in a medical-surgical intensive care unit. Among 41 consecutive patients with refractory cardiogenic shock of potentially reversible cause receiving ECMO support, 18 recovered and were successfully weaned off the machine. Blood N-terminal fragment of the B-type natriuretic peptide, troponin Ic, midregional fragment of the proatrial natriuretic peptide, proadrenomedullin, and copeptin concentrations were determined on days 1, 3, and 7 post-ECMO., Results: Neither the absolute values of those biomarkers at days 1, 3, or 7 nor their kinetics during the first week differed between patients weaned or not. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (95% confidence interval) of the day 1-to-day 3 biomarker changes for predicting cardiac recovery were 0.54 (0.36-0.71), 0.61 (0.43-0.78), 0.61 (0.42-0.77), 0.56 (0.38-0.73), and 0.61 (0.43-0.78), respectively., Conclusion: In patients with refractory cardiogenic shock of potentially reversible cause receiving ECMO support, early measurements of cardiac biomarkers are not useful for identifying those who would recover., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The novel Permanent Life Support (PLS; Maquet, Jostra Medizintechnik AG, Hirrlingen, Germany) as peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support system has been investigated as treatment for patients with refractory cardiogenic shock (CS). Between January 2007 and July 2011, 73 consecutive adult patients were supported on peripheral PLS ECMO system at our institution (55 men; age 60.3 ± 11.6 years, range: 23-84 years). Indications for support were failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass in the setting of postcardiotomy (n = 50) and primary donor graft failure (n = 8), post-acute myocardial infarction CS (n = 12), and CS on chronic heart failure (n = 3). Mean support time was 10.9 ± 7.6 days (range: 2-34 days). Overall, 26 (35.6%) patients died on ECMO. Among survivors on ECMO, 44 (60.2%) patients were successfully weaned from support, and three (4.1%) were switched to a mid-long-term ventricular assist device. Thirty-three (45.2%) were successfully discharged. The following variables were significantly different if survivors and nonsurvivors on ECMO were compared: age (P = 0.04), female gender (P < 0.01), cardiopulmonary resuscitation before ECMO (P < 0.01), lactate level before ECMO (P = 0.01), number of platelets, fresh frozen plasma units, and packed red blood cells (PRBCs) transfused during ECMO support (P = 0.03, P = 0.02, and P < 0.01), blood lactate level (P = 0.01), and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) relative index 72 h after ECMO initiation (P < 0.001), and multiple organ failure on ECMO (P < 0.01). Stepwise logistic regression identified blood lactate level and CK-MB relative index at 72 h after ECMO initiation, and number of PRBCs transfused on ECMO as significant predictors of mortality on ECMO (P = 0.011, odds ratio [OR] = 2.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11-3.12; P = 0.012, OR = 2.81, 95% CI = 1.026-2.531; and P = 0.012, OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.02-5.21; respectively). Patients with an initial poor hemodynamic status could benefit by rapid peripheral installation of PLS ECMO. The blood lactate level, CK-MB relative index, and PRBCs transfused should be strictly monitored during ECMO support., (© 2012, Copyright the Authors. Artificial Organs © 2012, International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background/objectives: More adults undergo extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) now. They have high transfusion requirements. This study described transfusion requirements of adults during ECMO in a single institution, and determined factors associated with high transfusion requirements., Materials/methods: Retrospective analysis was done on the amount of blood products received by adults during ECMO. Predictors of increased average daily transfusion requirements during ECMO and increased ECMO duration (which correlated positively with total transfusion requirements) were determined., Results: Forty-one patients (median age 50 years) underwent 42 ECMO sessions for respiratory failure (16.7%), cardiogenic shock (76.2%) or massive pulmonary embolism (7.1%). They received 569 red blood cells, 852 platelets, 126 fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) and 220 cryoprecipitate in total during median ECMO duration of 5 (1-15) days. On multivariate analysis, average daily red blood cell transfusion increased with nadir haemoglobin (Hb) during ECMO (Hb(nadir)) of < 7.5 g/dl (P < 0.001). Average daily platelet transfusion increased with recent antiplatelet agents (P = 0.015) and maximum Hb decline of > 5.5 g/dl during ECMO (P = 0.011). Average daily platelet transfusion > 3 units was also associated with increased ECMO duration (P = 0.024). Average daily FFP transfusion was increased in patients with hypertension (P = 0.007) and Hb(nadir) < 7.5 g/dl (P = 0.050). Patients with sepsis (P = 0.009) or without surgery (P = 0.009) had increased ECMO duration, which correlated positively with total transfusion requirements during the entire ECMO session. ECMO improved mortality of patients with fulminant myocarditis, respiratory failure and massive pulmonary embolism., Conclusion: Adult ECMO patients with lower Hb(nadir) require more daily red blood cell and FFP. Hypertension increases daily FFP requirements. Recent antiplatelet agents, larger Hb decline and longer ECMO duration increase daily platelet requirements. Patients with sepsis or on ECMO for medical reasons have longer ECMO duration, which is associated with total transfusion requirements. Some of these factors may be identified early to optimize blood product support.

Objective: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used as initial, biventricular circulatory support for patients with severe postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS). Due to its aggressiveness and limited weaning quote, concerns have been raised about maintenance of ECMO support regarding duration. However, it is frequently hazardous for physicians to make an individualized decision, whether and when discontinuation of ECMO support should be considered. We tried to find measurable values during ECMO support that could predict the patient mortality on ECMO support., Methods: During a 9-year period, 32 patients (mean age 55.4+/-11.9; ranging from 30 to 75 years) with ECMO support for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock were included in this study., Results: Eighteen patients died without weaning (group I, 56.25%), while 14 patients could be weaned off the ECMO support (group II, 43.75%). In the group II, six patients (18.75%) died later in the postoperative course and eight patients (25%) survived to be discharged from hospital. The overall survival of all 32 patients at 30 days was 31.25% (n=10). At a follow-up period of 3.88+/-1.58 years, the overall survival rate was 12.5% (n=4). Mean duration of ECMO support was 2.7+/-1.7 days. The following variables were significantly different between the two groups: blood lactate level and the level of MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CK-MB) 48 h after ECMO initiation (p<0.01, p=0.001) as well as the CK-MB relative index as the ratio of CK-MB to total CK (p<0.001). Logistic regression identified that only the CK-MB relative index 48 h after ECMO initiation was associated with mortality on ECMO support (p=0.011, odds ratio=1.219, 95% confidence interval: 1.046-1.421)., Conclusion: For adult non-transplantation patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock, the CK-MB relative index 48 h after ECMO initiation can be a predictor of mortality on ECMO support. This might be a useful tool for considering a patient either for discontinuation of ECMO support or further treatment.

Background: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a marker of heart failure. In adult patients with heart failure, decreased BNP levels after implantation of ventricular assist devices may be indicative of recovery. However, BNP levels among pediatric patients receiving mechanical support are largely unknown., Methods: Fifteen pediatric patients with cardiogenic shock who were supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) were evaluated. The BNP levels were determined before ECMO initiation, during ECMO support, and after ECMO removal., Results: All patients had elevated BNP levels before initiation of ECMO (median, 1,430 pg/mL; range, 361 to 5,000 pg/mL). Among the 15 patients, 1 received heart transplantation. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was withdrawn in 2 patients, and the other 12 patients were weaned from ECMO. Four patients died after initially successful weaning from ECMO. The BNP levels of the nonsurvivors (median, 3,685 pg/mL; range, 2,494 to 5,000 pg/mL) were higher than those of the survivors (median, 1,127pg/mL; range, 108 to 3,030 pg/mL) on the next few days after ECMO removal (p = 0.016). The BNP levels on the fourth day after removal of ECMO among the survivors (median, 498 pg/mL; range, 108 to 890 pg/mL) were lower than those among the nonsurvivors (median, 3,900 pg/mL; range, 3,230 to 5,000 pg/mL; p = 0.017)., Conclusions: Among pediatric patients supported with ECMO, the survivors had lower BNP levels than those who did not survive. We suggest that serial blood BNP levels can be potential markers for monitoring pediatric patients on mechanical circulatory support, and the concept merits further study.

Long-term survival at our institution for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock patients supported with the BioPump is 36% (29/80 patients). A heparin-coated extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO), first introduced in 1991, may reduce organ injury associated with cardiopulmonary bypass. The device can be employed rapidly because it connects directly to the cardiopulmonary bypass cannula. In an effort to improve our results in the treatment of postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock, we used ECMO in 21 patients with this syndrome and accompanying complications. The patients were divided into three groups: group 1, ECMO after coronary artery bypass grafting; group 2, ECMO after mitral valve operation; and group 3, ECMO after open heart operation with prolonged cardiac arrest. Survival in group 1 was 80% with 12 of 14 patients discharged to home. All three deaths were caused by cardiac failure. Bleeding complications in this group were moderate. There was no evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation, and levels of fibrin split products remained within the normal range. Postoperative complications included stroke (2), renal failure (1), mediastinitis (1), and prolonged respiratory failure (6). Mortality in group 2 was 100%. The major problem limiting recovery was left ventricular distention secondary to inadequate left ventricular decompression. Mortality in group 3 was 100%; all 4 died of brain death. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation without left ventricular drainage clearly is not effective in patients undergoing mitral valve operations as it does not effectively decompress the left ventricle, but it was highly effective in treating postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock in our coronary artery bypass grafting patients. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation also proved to be safe as the patient-related complications of stroke, renal failure, and mediastinitis were low. Our preliminary success with heparin-coated ECMO now needs to be confirmed by studies from other centers with larger groups of patients.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for adult post cardiotomy cardiogenic shock has had limited success. The efficacy of a heparin bonded ECMO system was tested in 11 patients (eight men, three women; mean age: 63 +/- 8 years), all of whom were in post cardiotomy shock refractory to inotropes and intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP). The system consisted of a right atrial-to-aortic loop using a hollow fiber oxygenator driven by a vortex pump. All blood contact surfaces were heparin bonded. Mean duration of support was 47.9 hr (range: 22-92.5 hr). Mean prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and activated clotting time during full support were 17 +/- 8, 57.5 +/- 38, and 152 +/- 59 sec, respectively. Mean transfusion requirements for packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and platelets were 24 +/- 9, 19 +/- 9, and 38 +/- 15 units, respectively. Complications included acute renal failure (1 patient), sepsis (3 patients), elevation of hepatic enzymes (7 patients), and myocardial infarction (11 patients). Oxygenator failure occurred in 4 patients, and 10 patients had plasma hemoglobin levels exceeding 30 mg/L. No patient experienced focal neurologic deficit. Eight (73%) patients were weaned from ECMO. Five (45.4%) of these are alive and have been discharged home with a mean follow-up of 317 +/- 76 days (range: 179-416 days). This heparin-free ECMO system allows rapid and simple deployment and provides effective short-term cardiopulmonary support.