ASAIO journal : a peer-reviewed journal of the American Society for Artificial Internal Organs
-
Extracorporeal CO2 removal (ECCO2R) is promoted with attributes like "safe" and "less invasive" compared with (high-flow) venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) systems. With our experience in coagulation disorders during ECMO therapy with this observational study, we for the first time prospectively evaluate hemolysis and coagulation disorders during ECCO2R. Eight consecutive patients with predominant hypercapnic respiratory failure were treated with the Hemolung respiratory assist system (Alung-Technologies, Pittsburg, PA). ⋯ Six of seven patients required transfusion of red blood cells. Our observation shows that even low-flow extracorporeal lung support is associated with relevant clinical bleeding symptoms, blood cell injury, development of acquired von Willebrand syndrome and need for transfusion. In our opinion, it therefore is too early to quote ECCO2R "safe" and "less invasive."
-
Bleeding is the most common complication during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). It is associated with an increased mortality and represents the most frequent cause of preliminary ECMO termination. We performed a retrospective analysis in a single ECMO referral center delineating the risk factors and therapeutic interventions of bleeding during adult ECMO in a total of 59 patients. ⋯ Termination of ECMO support was the most successful therapeutic intervention, followed by the administration of tranexamic acid, replacement of the membrane oxygenator or the ECMO system, administration of factor VIIa, and repositioning of at least one ECMO cannula. Moreover, the transfusion of platelets was a successful mean, as well as the utilization of desmopressin to enhance platelet function. As such, further delineation of the coagulation disorders during ECMO support to provide a sophisticated pharmacotherapy may stop this serious adverse event.