Pediatric Outcomes After Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Cardiac Disease and for Cardiac Arrest: A Review

We reviewed reported survival and neurological outcomes, and predictors of these outcomes for pediatric cardiac extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). We searched PubMed from 2000 to April 2011. Cumulative survival after cardiac ECMO in children was 788/1755 (45%); renal dysfunction, dialysis, neurologic complication, lactate, and ECMO duration consistently predicted this outcome, whereas single ventricle and ECPR did not. Neurological outcomes after cardiac ECMO were based on poorly described telephone questions in two studies for 47 patients with 51% significantly impaired and detailed follow-up testing for 42 patients in three studies with mental delay in 38% and mental score >85 (average or above) in 33%. Cumulative survival after ECPR in children was 371/762 (49%); noncardiac disease, renal dysfunction, neurologic complication, and pH on extracorporeal life support consistently predicted this outcome, whereas duration of CPR did not. Neurological outcomes after ECPR were based predominantly on the pediatric cerebral performance category (PCPC) score by chart review, with 161/181 (79%) having PCPC <2. No study reported detailed follow-up testing for survivors of ECPR. Survival outcomes of most cardiac subgroups were similar, except for concerning mortality in cavopulmonary connection patients. Priority areas for study include identification of potentially modifiable predictors of long-term outcomes. ASAIO Journal 2012;58:297-310.