Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation during pregnancy and peripartal. An international retrospective multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION: Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) may be used in the setting of pregnancy or the peripartal period, however its utility has not been well-characterized. This study aims to give an overview on the prevalence of peripartel ECMO cases and further assess the indications and outcomes of ECMO in this setting across multiple centers and countries. METHODS: A retrospective, multicenter, international cohort study of pregnant and peripartum ECMO cases was performed. Data were collected from six ECMO centers across three continents over a 10-year period. RESULTS: A total of 60 pregnany/peripartal ECMO cases have been identified. Most frequent indications are acute respiratory distress syndrome (n = 30) and pulmonary embolism (n = 5). Veno-venous ECMO mode was applied more often (77%). ECMO treatment during pregnancy was performed in 17 cases. Maternal and fetal survival was high with 87% (n = 52), respectively 73% (n = 44). CONCLUSIONS: Various emergency scenarios during pregnancy and at time of delivery may require ECMO treatment. Peripartal mortality in a well-resourced setting is rare, however emergencies in the labor room occur and knowledge of available rescue therapy is essential to improve outcome. Obstetricians and obstetric anesthesiologists should be aware of the availability of ECMO resource at their hospital or region to ensure immediate contact when needed.

Management strategies in venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a retrospective comparison from five European centres.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate contemporary clinical practice in the management of venovenous (VV) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in critically ill patients with bacterial pneumonia. METHODS: In this multicentre retrospective study, 48 patients with severe respiratory failure due to bacterial pneumonia receiving VV ECMO therapy in five experienced European ECMO centres were included. Ventilator and ECMO settings were analysed. RESULTS: Ventilator settings showed great variability between participating centres, particularly relating to positive end-expiratory pressure, peak inspiratory pressure and driving pressure. Different strategies in cannulation, ECMO setting and weaning procedures were also observed. CONCLUSION: There is great diversity in management modalities for ventilator and ECMO settings for patients with bacterial pneumonia. Our study emphasises the lack of clinical consensus in VV ECMO management.