Nosocomial Infections in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Abstract

Extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has become an important modality in ICU for treating patients with severe hemodynamic and respiratory failure. It helps clinicians gain time for the primary disease to recover with definitive treatment, and aids in cardio pulmonary recovery of the patient. Most of the patients who require ECMO support are quite sick and fragile. Nosocomial infection is second most common complication after hemorrhage in ECMO patients.It affects about two-third of patients receiving ECMO. There is a lack of sufficient knowledge in this particular area. More focused efforts should be made in future to combat nosocomial infection in ECMO patients.