Crit Care Resusc
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Observational Study
Nosocomial infections acquired by patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Infectious complications in patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are a frequent contributor to morbidity and mortality in this group. Defining the characteristics of ECMO-related infections may inform treatment decisions, including antimicrobial therapy. ⋯ Infectious complications are common in ECMO patients and are associated with longer durations of hospital admission. Isolated pathogens were predominantly hospital-acquired Gram-negative bacteria and yeasts. Immunosuppression and treatment with VA ECMO were found to be specific risk factors for infection.
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The use of post-cardiotomy extracorporeal life support (PC-ECLS) has increased worldwide over the past years but a concurrent decrease in survival to hospital discharge has also been observed. We analysed use and outcome of PC-ECLS at the Maastricht University Medical Center. ⋯ Our experience confirms an increased use of PC-ECLS during the last 10 years and shows that, by carefully addressing patient management and complications, survival rat e may be satisfactory, and improved outcome may be achieved in such a challenging ECLS setting.