ECMO for cardiac rescue in a neonate with accidental amiodarone overdose

Intravenous (IV) amiodarone hydrochloride has proven to be a very effective antiarrhythmic treatment option for a variety of ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias in adults and paediatric patients. Amiodarone is known to have significant side effects and these especially include profound hypotension in animals and adults, vasodilatation, negative inotropic effects, and significant bradycardia especially when administered intravenously. Special caution is warranted in patients with decreased contractility and end-stage heart failure. We present a case of accidental amiodarone overdose in a newborn treated for atrial flutter resulting in cardiovascular collapse. The patient could be rescued by rapid initiation of VA-ECMO treatment. The patient survived without neurological damage. This case study was supported by hospital funding.     

Platelet transfusions in the neonatal intensive care unit:factors predicting which patients will require multiple transfusions

BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggest that recombinant thrombopoietin (rTPO) will increase platelet production in thrombocytopenic neonates. However, the target populations of neonates most likely to benefit should be defined. Studies suggest that rTPO will not elevate the platelet count until 5 days after the start of treatment. Therefore, the neonates who might benefit from rTPO are those who will require multiple platelet transfusions for more than 5 days. This study was designed to find means of prospectively identifying these patients. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A historic cohort study of all patients in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at the University of Florida who received platelet transfusions from January 1, 1997, through December 31, 1998, was conducted. RESULTS: Of the 1389 patients admitted to the NICU during the study period, 131 (9.4%) received platelet transfusions. Seventeen were treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and were excluded from further analysis. Of the remaining 114 patients, 55 (48%) received one transfusion and 59 (52%) received more than one transfusion (21 had >4). None of the demographic factors examined predicted multiple platelet transfusions. However, two clinical conditions did; liver disease and renal insufficiency. Neonates who received one platelet transfusion had a relative risk of death 10.4 times that in neonates who received none (p = 0.0001). Neonates who received >4 platelet transfusions had a risk of death 29.9 times that in those who received no transfusions (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: NICU patients with liver disease or renal insufficiency who receive one platelet transfusion are likely to receive additional transfusions. Therefore, these patients constitute a possible study population for a Phase I/II rTPO trial.     

Newborn extracorporeal lung assist using a novel double lumen catheter and a heparin-bonded membrane lung

We report the clinical application of a novel double lumen catheter for veno-venous extracorporeal lung assist (ECLA) and the use of a heparin-bonded hollow fiber membrane lung, in the treatment of newborn respiratory failure. The outer lumen of the double lumen catheter was 14 Fr and was used for blood drainage; while the inner 8 Fr catheter was used for blood return. The double lumen catheter was made of spiral wire reinforced polyurethane, with a wall thickness of 0.25 mm. The hollow fiber membrane was made of non-microporous polyolefin, and was not permeable to water or plasma. We used this system to treat a newborn patient with meconium aspiration syndrome. Heparin was infused continuously at a rate of 18–25 units/kg/h, equal to 1/3 of the usual amount when a non-heparin bonded ECLA system was used and maintaining the activated clotting time near 120 s. Bleeding from cutdown sites was negligible. Only the right internal jugular vein was sacrificed. The patient was successfully weaned from ECLA and appears normal one year following discharge.     

A novel multimodal computational system using near-infrared spectroscopy predicts the need for ECMO initiation in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Background/purpose

The purpose of this study was to develop a computational algorithm that would predict the need for ECMO in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

Duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support and survival in cardiovascular surgery patients

Objective

The overall therapeutic goal of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in patients with postcardiotomy shock is bridging to myocardial recovery. However, in patients with irreversible myocardial damage prolonged ECMO treatment would cause a delay or even withholding of further permanent potentially life-saving therapeutic options. We therefore assessed the prognostic effect of duration of ECMO support on survival in adult patients after cardiovascular surgery.

Avalon catheters in pediatric patients requiring ECMO: Placement and migration problems

Purpose

The Avalon dual-lumen venovenous catheter has several advantages, but placement techniques and management have not been adequately addressed in the pediatric population. We assessed our institutional outcomes and complications using the Avalon catheter in children.

应用ECMO成功救治1例重症肺炎患者的护理体会

2015年12月我科收治了1例重症肺炎并伴ARDS及多器官功能衰竭的患者,经2周不间断的ECMO治疗及4周的呼吸机辅助呼吸,已康复出院。该案例是利用V-V ECMO长时间不间断运转,成功救治重症肺炎患者的罕见案例。为同类病例的护理积累很好的经验。本文总结该患者在救治中的护理体会。     

ECMO救治呼吸衰竭病人的护理

目的总结体外膜肺氧合（ECMO）救治呼吸衰竭病人临床护理策略。方法对28例机械通气效果不佳的呼吸衰竭患者应用ECMO救治,同时合理调配护理人员,加强ICU环境管理及各项生命指标的监测等。结果 ECMO上机24h后,患者氧代谢情况明显改善;住院治疗15-25d,治愈21例,死亡7例。结论严密监测和有效的护理是ECMO救治成功的重要保证。