Predictors of Neurologic Recovery in Patients Who Undergo Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Refractory Cardiac Arrest

Andrea L. Axtell, Masaki Funamoto, Alex G. Legassey, Philicia Moonsamy, Kenneth Shelton, David A. D'Alessandro, Mauricio A. Villavicencio, Thoralf M. Sundt, Gaston A. Cudemus

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as a rescue strategy during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is increasingly being used for nonresponders to conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation. To identify patients most likely to benefit from ECPR, the authors investigated predictors of hospital discharge with good neurologic function. Design: Retrospective cohort analysis. Setting: Single institution academic medical center. Participants: Patients who underwent ECPR. Interventions: Venoarterial ECMO initiation for witnessed refractory cardiac arrest from 2009–2019. Measurements and Main Results: Baseline characteristics and post-ECMO outcomes were compared between patients who had good versus poor neurologic function at discharge. Good neurologic function was defined as a cerebral performance category 1 to 2, whereas poor neurologic function was defined as a cerebral performance category 3 to 5. Of 54 patients, 13 (24%) were discharged with good neurologic function and 41 (76%) had poor neurologic function (n = 38 in-hospital deaths; n = 3 discharged with severe disability.) Survivors with good neurologic function were younger (41 v 61 y; p = 0.03), more likely to arrest because of pulmonary embolism (46% v 10%; p = 0.01), and more likely to receive concurrent Impella (Abiomed, Danvers, MA) placement while on ECMO (38% v 12%; p = 0.03.) Young age was the most important predictor of good neurologic function (odds ratio 0.92 [0.87-0.97]; p = 0.004), with a threshold for improved survival around 60 years. For all patients, survival to discharge was 30%; however, among survivors with good neurologic function, 5-year survival was 100%. Conclusions: ECPR is associated with high rates of neurologic morbidity and mortality. However, in select patients, it may be an acceptable option with favorable long-term survival. Additional studies are indicated to further define the appropriate selection criteria for ECPR implementation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)356-362
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia
Volume34
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2020

Keywords

  • cardiopulmonary resuscitation
  • extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
  • neurologic function
  • survival analysis

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Predictors of Neurologic Recovery in Patients Who Undergo Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Refractory Cardiac Arrest'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this