Evaluation of Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support in Adult Cardio Respiratory Failure-An Observational Study.

Abstract Extracorporeal life support is a rescue therapy when mechanical ventilation is unable to maintain adequate tissue oxygenation in the setting of acute cardiac or respiratory failure. Outcome is influenced not only by factors independent of ECMO but also by the potential complications related to ECMO. The study is designed to understand the outcomes of Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the management of Acute Cardio Respiratory failure in adult population. The study is analytical and the data is prospectively collected from a local registry of ECMO patients and ICU clinical database. Further, clinical details were obtained from prospective review of patient medical records. The study period is from November 2013 and November 2015. A total of 30 patients were included in the study 36.7% were weaned off ECLS and 33.3% survived to hospital discharge. Incidence of Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia was observed in 3 patients. 27 patients went into renal dysfunction. Both ICU duration (p-0.945) and duration of ECMO (0.736) support did not prove to be significant in predicting mortality. No cannula related vascular complications leading to limb ischemia or need for vascular repair were encountered in any patient. Mean number of blood transfusions required during ECMO support were 15.17 units. Infections acquired on ECMO support, p=0.052; 95% CI=0.007-1.707. Our results endorse the use of ECMO as a rescue therapy in adults, although there are some risks associated with a learning curve as well as an important increase in the days of patient stay. However, ECMO is still marred by frequent and significant complications such as renal derangement, bleeding and nosocomial infections.