Pediatric patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in heart failure: 30‐day outcomes; mid‐ and long‐term survival. A single center experience

Nowadays, an increasing number of neonatal and pediatric patients with severe heart failure benefits from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. A total of 39 pediatric patients needed venoarterial ECMO (vaECMO) support in our department between January 2008 and December 2016. Patients were retrospectively divided in two groups: 30‐day survivor group (17 patients) and 30‐day nonsurvivor group (22 patients). Outcome and factors predictive for 30‐day mortality and mid‐ as well as long‐term survival up to 7‐year follow‐up were analyzed by univariate analysis and Kaplan‐Meier survival estimation. Basic demographics and preoperative characteristics did not differ between groups (P > 0.05). 67% of patients were successfully weaned off ECMO and 44% survived 30‐day after ECMO application. After 7‐year follow‐up 28% of pediatric patients were alive. Thirty‐day survivors were significantly more likely to undergo elective cardiac surgery (P = 0.001), whereas significantly more 30‐day nonsurvivors underwent urgent surgery (P = 0.004). Odds of incidence of catecholamine refractory circulatory failure, failed myocardial recovery, and cerebral edema was significantly higher in 30‐day nonsurvivor group (41.6‐fold, 16‐fold, and 2.5‐fold, respectively). Kaplan‐Meier survival estimation analysis revealed significant differences in terms of mid‐ and long‐term survival among neonates, infants, toddlers, and preadolescents (Breslow P = 0.037 and Log‐Rank P = 0.028, respectively). vaECMO provides an efficient therapy option for life‐threatening heart disorders in neonates and pediatric patients being at high risk for myocardial failure leading to circulatory arrest. Urgency of surgery effected on higher mortality, but there was no difference in terms of mortality in 30‐day survivor group in comparison to 30‐day nonsurvivor group among neonates, infants, toddlers, and preadolescents.