Intracranial hemorrhage on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: an international survey

Treatment of Refractory Cardiac Arrest by Controlled Reperfusion of the Whole Body: A Multicenter, Prospective Observational Study

Background: Survival following cardiac arrest (CA) remains poor after conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CCPR) (6-26%), and the outcomes after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) are often inconsistent. Poor survival is a consequence of CA, low-flow states during CCPR, multi-organ injury, insufficient monitoring, and delayed treatment of the causative condition. We developed a new strategy to address these issues. Methods: This all-comers, multicenter, prospective observational study (69 patients with in- and out-of-hospital CA (IHCA and OHCA) after prolonged refractory CCPR) focused on extracorporeal cardiopulmonary support, comprehensive monitoring, multi-organ repair, and the potential for out-of-hospital cannulation and treatment. Result: The overall survival rate at hospital discharge was 42.0%, and a favorable neurological outcome (CPC 1+2) at 90 days was achieved for 79.3% of survivors (CPC 1+2 survival 33%). IHCA survival was very favorable (51.7%), as was CPC 1+2 survival at 90 days (41%). Survival of OHCA patients was 35% and CPC 1+2 survival at 90 days was 28%. The subgroup of OHCA patients with pre-hospital cannulation showed a superior survival rate of 57.1%. Conclusions: This new strategy focusing on repairing damage to multiple organs appears to improve outcomes after CA, and these findings should provide a sound basis for further research in this area.

Clinical impact of screening computed tomography in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Data on the prevalence and clinical impact of extrapulmonary findings at screening computed tomography (CT) on initiation of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) are limited. We aimed to identify the prevalence of extrapulmonary findings on screening CT following V-V ECMO initiation. We hypothesized that extrapulmonary findings would influence clinical management and outcome.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis (2011-2021) of admission screening CT including head, abdomen and pelvis with contrast of consecutive patients on initiation of V-V ECMO. CT findings identified by the attending consultant radiologist were extracted. Demographics, admission physiological and laboratory data, clinical decision-making following CT and ECMO ICU mortality were recorded from the electronic medical record. We used multivariable logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier curves to evaluate associations between extrapulmonary findings and ECMO ICU mortality.

RESULTS

Of the 833 patients receiving V-V ECMO, 761 underwent routine admission CT (91.4%). ECMO ICU length of stay was 19 days (IQR 12-23); ICU mortality at the ECMO centre was 18.9%. An incidental extrapulmonary finding was reported in 227 patients (29.8%), leading to an invasive procedure in 12/227 cases (5.3%) and a change in medical management (mainly in anticoagulation strategy) in 119/227 (52.4%). Extrapulmonary findings associated with mortality were intracranial haemorrhage (OR 2.34 (95% CI 1.31-4.12), cerebral infarction (OR 3.59 (95% CI 1.26-9.86) and colitis (OR 2.80 (95% CI 1.35-5.67).

CONCLUSIONS

Screening CT frequently identifies extrapulmonary findings of clinical significance. Newly detected intracranial haemorrhage, cerebral infarction and colitis were associated with increased ICU mortality.

Mechanical ventilation in patients with acute brain injury: recommendations of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine consensus

Purpose

To provide clinical practice recommendations and generate a research agenda on mechanical ventilation and respiratory support in patients with acute brain injury (ABI).

Methods

An international consensus panel was convened including 29 clinician-scientists in intensive care medicine with expertise in acute respiratory failure, neurointensive care, or both, and two non-voting methodologists. The panel was divided into seven subgroups, each addressing a predefined clinical practice domain relevant to patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with ABI, defined as acute traumatic brain or cerebrovascular injury. The panel conducted systematic searches and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) method was used to evaluate evidence and formulate questions. A modified Delphi process was implemented with four rounds of voting in which panellists were asked to respond to questions (rounds 1–3) and then recommendation statements (final round). Strong recommendation, weak recommendation, or no recommendation were defined when > 85%, 75–85%, and < 75% of panellists, respectively, agreed with a statement.

Results

The GRADE rating was low, very low, or absent across domains. The consensus produced 36 statements (19 strong recommendations, 6 weak recommendations, 11 no recommendation) regarding airway management, non-invasive respiratory support, strategies for mechanical ventilation, rescue interventions for respiratory failure, ventilator liberation, and tracheostomy in brain-injured patients. Several knowledge gaps were identified to inform future research efforts.

Conclusions

This consensus provides guidance for the care of patients admitted to the ICU with ABI. Evidence was generally insufficient or lacking, and research is needed to demonstrate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of different management approaches.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00134-020-06283-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.