Clinics in perinatology
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Clinics in perinatology · Jun 2012
ReviewAdvances in neonatal extracorporeal support: the role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and the artificial placenta.
This review addresses the history and evolution of neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), with a discussion of the indications, contraindications, modalities, outcomes, and impact of ECMO. Controversies surrounding novel uses of ECMO in neonates, namely ECMO for premature infants and ex utero intrapartum therapy with transition to ECMO, are discussed. The development of an extracorporeal artificial placenta for support of premature infants is presented, including the rationale, research, and challenges. ECMO has had a dramatic effect on the care of critically ill neonates over the past 4 decades, and there is great potential to expand these benefits in the future.
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Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common acquired gastrointestinal disease of premature neonates and is a serious cause of morbidity and mortality. NEC is one of the leading causes of death in neonatal intensive care units. ⋯ Surgical options include peritoneal drainage and laparotomy, with studies showing no difference in outcome related to approach. Survivors, particularly those requiring surgery, face serious sequelae.
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Myelomeningocele (MMC) is a congenital neural tube defect that occurs in approximately 1 in 2900 live births in the United States. It is a devastating disability with significant morbidity and mortality within the first few decades of life. MMC was the first nonlethal disease to be considered and studied for fetal surgery and is now the most common open fetal surgery performed. The recently completed MOMS randomized controlled trial has shown that fetal repair for MMC can improve hydrocephalus and hindbrain herniation, can reduce the need for vetriculoperitoneal shunting, and may improve distal neurologic function in some patients.