Predictors of mortality in patients with VA-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Abstract

Abstract Background Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) support is a lifesaving tool used in the treatment of cardiogenic shock, acute heart failure, or extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). We report on a single center experience with ECMO and aim to identify the prognostic markers for in-hospital mortality and death at 72 hours after ECMO. Methods Between 2011 and 2019 we evaluated 131 patients, who received ECMO. Collected data was analyzed to identify baseline characteristic, outcomes including clinical variables predictive of poor outcome. Results The mean age was 62.5 years, 67.2% were male patients, with prior CPR in 61.8%. The annual number of VA-ECMO procedures steadily increased, whereas in-hospital mortality is decreasing. Within the total cohort, the indication for VA-ECMO was cardiac arrest in 19.1%, acute coronary syndrome in 41.2%, acute heart failure in 23.7%, and myocarditis in 10.7%. Overall in-hospital mortality was 58.8%. Multivariate logistic regression model revealed presence of malignancy, history of revascularization, duration of cardiac arrest, and low BMI as independent predictors for mortality in 72 hours after ECMO (table). On the other hand, predictors of in-hospital mortality were prior congestive heart failure, male, and history of malignancy. The C-statistic for discriminating mortality in 72 hours after ECMO with the duration of cardiac arrest was 0.67 (figure). Conclusions Although the use of ECMO as a last line in the treatment of critical patients measures constitutes an important improvement in their care; with 41.2% overall survival; patient selection and timing of ECMO initiation remains challenging. The importance of consideration for ECMO use earlier in course of illness rather than later. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None