Use of ECMO support in pediatric patients with severe thoracic trauma.

Abstract

BACKGROUND\nExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used in the non-trauma setting for over 30\u202fyears. However, the use of ECMO in trauma remains a difficult question, as the risk of bleeding must be weighed against the benefits of cardiopulmonary support.\n\n\nMETHODS\nRetrospective review of children who sustained severe thoracic trauma (chest abbreviated injury score ≥3) and required ECMO support between 2009 and 2016.\n\n\nRESULTS\nOf the 425 children who experienced severe thoracic trauma, 6 (1.4%) underwent ECMO support: 67% male, median age 4.8\u202fyears, median ISS 36, median GCS 3, and overall survival 83%. The median hospital day of ECMO initiation was 2 with a median ECMO duration of 7\u202fdays. All cannulations occurred through the right neck regardless of the size of the child. Five initially had veno-venous support with 1 requiring conversion to veno-arterial (VA) support. Both children on VA support suffered devastating cerebrovascular accidents, one of which ultimately led to withdrawal of care and death. Complications in the cohort included: paraplegia (1), neurocognitive defects/dysphonia (1), infected neck hematoma (1), deep femoral venous thrombosis (1), bilateral lower extremity spasticity (1).\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nThis small cohort supports the use of ECMO in children with severe thoracic injuries as a potentially lifesaving intervention, however, not without significant complication.\n\n\nLEVEL OF EVIDENCE\nIV.