Right Ventricular Injury Increases Mortality in Patients With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome on Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Right ventricular injury (RVI) in the context of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is well recognized as an important determinant risk factor of mortality. Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) is part of the algorithm for the management of patients with severe ARDS and severely impaired gas exchange. Although VV-ECMO may theoretically protect the RV it is uncertain to what degree RVI persists despite VV-ECMO support, and whether it continues to influence mortality after ECMO initiation. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the impact of RVI on mortality in this context, testing the hypothesis that RVI worsens mortality in this cohort. We performed a systematic search that identified seven studies commenting on RVI and mortality in patients with ARDS receiving VV-ECMO. The presence of RVI was associated with greater mortality overall (odds ratios [OR]: 2.72; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.52-4.85; p < 0.00) and across three subgroups (RV dilatational measures: OR: 3.51; 95% CI: 1.51-8.14; p < 0.01, RV functional measures: OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 0.99-3.42; p = 0.05, RV measurements post-ECMO initiation: OR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.01-3.72; p < 0.05). Prospective studies are needed to investigate the causal relationship between RVI and mortality in this patient group and the best management strategies to reduce mortality.

Automated summary

Right ventricular injury (RVI) is a known risk factor for mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) receiving veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO). A systematic review and meta-analysis found that the presence of RVI was associated with higher mortality rates in this patient group, regardless of dilatational or functional measures of RV. Prospective studies are needed to further investigate the causal relationship and optimal management strategies.