Extracorporeal Life Support for Cardiogenic Shock in Octogenarians: Single Center Experience

Abstract

Background: The age limit for the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support for post-cardiotomy cardiac failure is not defined. The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcomes of octogenarians supported with ECMO due to cardiogenic shock. Methods: A retrospective review of consecutive elderly patients supported with ECMO during a 13-year period in a tertiary care center. Patient’s demographic variables, comorbidities, perioperative data and outcomes were collected from patient medical records. Data of octogenarian patients were compared with the septuagenarian group. The main outcomes of the study was in hospital mortality, 6-month survival and 1-year survival after hospital discharge and discharge options. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with hospital survival. Results: Eleven patients (18.3%) in the elderly group were octogenarians (aged 80 years or above), and forty-nine (81.7%) were septuagenarians (aged 70–79 years). There were no differences except age in demographic and preoperative variables between groups. Pre ECMO SAVE, SOFA, SAPS—II and inotropic scores were significantly higher in septuagenarians than octogenarians. There was no statistically significant difference in hospital mortality, 6-month survival, 1 year survival or discharge options between groups. Conclusions: ECMO could be successfully used in selected octogenarian patients undergoing cardiac surgery to support a failing heart. An early decision to initiate ECMO therapy in elderly post-cardiotomy shock patients is associated with favorable outcomes.