Successful decompressive laparotomy in a neonate with abdominal compartment syndrome on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation following congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is a rare complication of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Despite being the treatment of choice for ACS, decompressive laparotomy (DL) has been a matter of debate in children supported with ECMO due to high bleeding risk and presumed futility. We report the first neonatal DL for ACS while on ECMO following congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) repair. Given its excellent outcomes, our case challenges current literature and supports prompt bedside laparotomy to treat ACS on neonatal ECMO.

Fluid Management, Intra-Abdominal Hypertension and the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome: A Narrative Review

BACKGROUND

General pathophysiological mechanisms regarding associations between fluid administration and intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) are evident, but specific effects of type, amount, and timing of fluids are less clear.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to summarize current knowledge on associations between fluid administration and intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and fluid management in patients at risk of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS).

METHODS

We performed a structured literature search from 1950 until May 2021 to identify evidence of associations between fluid management and intra-abdominal pressure not limited to any specific study or patient population. Findings were summarized based on the following information: general concepts of fluid management, physiology of fluid movement in patients with intra-abdominal hypertension, and data on associations between fluid administration and IAH.

RESULTS

We identified three randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 38 prospective observational studies, 29 retrospective studies, 18 case reports in adults, two observational studies and 10 case reports in children, and three animal studies that addressed associations between fluid administration and IAH. Associations between fluid resuscitation and IAH were confirmed in most studies. Fluid resuscitation contributes to the development of IAH. However, patients with IAH receive more fluids to manage the effect of IAH on other organ systems, thereby causing a vicious cycle. Timing and approach to de-resuscitation are of utmost importance, but clear indicators to guide this decision-making process are lacking. In selected cases, only surgical decompression of the abdomen can stop deterioration and prevent further morbidity and mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence confirms an association between fluid resuscitation and secondary IAH, but optimal fluid management strategies for patients with IAH remain controversial.

Outcomes of emergency laparotomy in patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe respiratory failure: A retrospective, observational cohort study

PURPOSE

There is a paucity of literature to support undertaking emergency laparotomy when indicated in patients supported on ECMO. Our study aims to identify the prevalence, outcomes and complications of this high risk surgery at a large ECMO centre.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A single centre, retrospective, observational cohort study of 355 patients admitted to a university teaching hospital Severe Respiratory Failure service between December 2011 and January 2017.

RESULTS

The prevalence of emergency laparotomy in patients on ECMO was 3.7%. These patients had significantly higher SOFA and APACHE II scores compared to similar patients not requiring laparotomy. There was no difference in the duration of ECMO or intensive care unit (ICU) stay post decannulation between the two groups. 31% of laparotomy patients survived to hospital discharge. Major haemorrhage was uncommon, however emergency change of ECMO oxygenator was commonly required.

CONCLUSION

Survival to hospital discharge is possible following emergency laparotomy on ECMO, however the mortality is higher than for those patients not requiring laparotomy, this likely reflects the severity of underlying organ failure rather than the surgery itself. Our service's collocation with a general surgical service has made this development in care possible. ECMO service planning should consider general surgical provision.

Co-initiation of continuous renal replacement therapy, peritoneal dialysis, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in neonatal life-threatening hyaline membrane disease: A case report

RATIONALE

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a well-known technique to provide cardio-pulmonary support. Although continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is frequently indicated, the need for faster fluid removal as the primary indication for ECMO is uncommon. Experiences on concomitant applications of ECMO, peritoneal dialysis (PD) and CRRT in neonates are relatively limited.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We report a 2-day-old male neonate with life-threatening hyaline membrane disease (HMD), accompained by severe systemic fluid retention, sepsis and abdominal compartment syndrome.

DIAGNOSIS

Hyaline membrane disease (HMD), neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, capillary leakage syndrome, and abdominal compartment syndrome.

INTERVENTION

Veno-arterial ECMO, CRRT, and PD were synchronously initiated for the sake of faster fluid removal possible.

OUTCOMES

The infant was successfully weaned from ECMO circuit and fluid overload was greatly improved four days after extracorporeal life support (ECLS), without major complications.

LESSONS

Initiation of CRRT and PD during ECMO therapy is effective and safe to release fluid overload in neonates, and severe complications are absent. When a neonate requires dialysis of urgency, ECMO offers assured vascular access to hemodialysis, allowing faster fluid removal.

Incidence of general surgical procedures in adult patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Purpose

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use may predispose patients to developing conditions that require either consultation with a general surgeon or a general surgical procedure. We aimed to evaluate the incidence and outcomes of adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients who underwent general surgical procedure.

Methods

This was a single institution retrospective study of adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients from 2012 to 2015. Outcomes were compared between patients who underwent general surgical procedure with those that did not.

Results

Of the 115 patients, 54 (46.9%) required a general surgeon while 42 (36.5%) required a general surgical procedure. No significant differences were observed in mortality (35.7% vs. 46.6%; p = 0.256) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-related complications (45.7% vs. 32.5%; p = 0.175). Patients with general surgical procedure had longer extracorporeal membrane oxygenation duration (13 vs. 5 days; p < 0.0001), longer length of stay (36 vs. 15 days; p = 0.0005), more wound infections (19.05% vs. 5.5%; p = 0.029), more urinary tract infections (38.1% vs. 10.96%; p = 0.0006), and more pulmonary emboli (19.05% vs. 5.48%; p = 0.029). In general surgical procedure patients, no difference in bleeding complications was observed regardless of anti-coagulation status (29.4% vs. 16%; p = 0.44).

Conclusion

Common general surgical procedures are safe and feasible in adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients. Duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was longer for patients requiring general surgical procedure. Despite the common use of anticoagulants, there was no increase in bleeding events in general surgical procedure patients.

Intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome in pediatrics. A review

PURPOSE

To consolidate pediatric intensivists' understanding of the pathophysiology, definition, incidence, monitoring, and management of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS); and to highlight the characteristics related to the pediatric population.

METHODS

This is a narrative review article that utilized a systematic search of the medical literature published in the English language between January 1990 and august 2016. Studies were identified by conducting a comprehensive search of Pub Med databases. Search terms included "intra-abdominal hypertension and child", "intra-abdominal hypertension and pediatrics", "abdominal compartment syndrome and child", and "abdominal compartment syndrome and pediatrics".

RESULTS

Intra-abdominal hypertension and ACS are associated with a number of pathophysiological disturbances and increased morbidity and mortality. These conditions have been well described in critically ill adults. In children, the IAH and the ACS have a reported incidence of 13% and 0.6 to 10% respectively; they carry similar prognostic impact but are still under-diagnosed and under-recognized by pediatric health care providers.

CONCLUSIONS

Intra-abdominal hypertension and ACS are conditions that are regularly encountered in critically ill children. They are associated with an increased morbidity and mortality. Early recognition, prevention and timely management of this critical condition are necessary to improve its outcome.

Outcomes of Pediatric Patients with Abdominal Sepsis Requiring Surgery and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Using the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Database

No study describes the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in pediatric patients with abdominal sepsis (AS) requiring surgery. A description of outcomes in this patient population would assist clinical decision-making and provide a context for discussions with patients and families. The Extracorporeal Life Support Organization database was queried for pediatric patients (30 days to 18 years) with AS requiring surgery. Forty-five of 61 patients survived (73.8%). Reported bleeding complications (57.1 vs 48.8%), the number of pre-ECMO ventilator hours (208.1 vs 178.9), and the timing of surgery before (50 vs 66.7%) and on-ECMO (50 vs 26.7%) were similar in survivors and nonsurvivors. Decreased pre-ECMO mean pH (7.1 vs 7.3) was associated with increased mortality (odds ratio, 1.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 2.14). ECMO use for pediatric patients with AS requiring surgery is associated with increased mortality and an increased rate of bleeding complications compared with all pediatric patients receiving ECMO support. Acidemia predicts mortality and provides a potential target of examination for future studies.

Appendicostomy for Intraluminal Antibiotic Administration and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support in Severe Hirschsprung's Enterocolitis

A term male infant with Hirschsprung's disease underwent an uncomplicated laparoscopic-assisted endorectal pull-through procedure. Four weeks after discharge, the patient developed severe Clostridium difficile enterocolitis with hemodynamic instability and peritonitis. Bedside laparotomy confirmed intestinal viability and accommodated an appendicostomy for antegrade vancomycin colonic irrigations. The patient required venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for physiological support for more than six days. Transition to conventional support was successful with survival and discharge from the hospital free from hemorrhagic complications. The patient is now developmentally appropriate for his age.

The abdomen in "thoracoabdominal" cannot be ignored: abdominal compartment syndrome complicating extracorporeal life support

Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is an incredible life-saving measure that is being used ever more frequently in the care of the critically ill. Management of these patients requires extreme vigilance on the part of the care providers in recognizing and addressing the complications and challenges that may arise. We present a case of overt abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in a previously well young male on ECLS with a history of trauma, submersion, hypothermia, and no intra-abdominal injuries. The patient developed ACS soon after ECLS was initiated which resulted in drastically compromised flow rates. Taking into account the patient's critical status, an emergent laparotomy was performed in the intensive care unit which successfully resolved the ACS and restored ECLS flow. The patient had an unremarkable course following and was weaned off ECLS but unfortunately died from his original anoxic injury. This case highlights several salient points: first, care of patients on ECLS is challenging and multiple etiologies can affect our ability to manage these patients; second, intra-abdominal pressures should be monitored liberally in the critically ill, especially in patients on ECLS; third, protocols for emergent operative treatment outside of traditional operating rooms should be established and care providers should be prepared for these situations.

Decompressive laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome in children on ECMO: effect on support and survival

PURPOSE

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) may complicate ECMO due to significant fluid shifts resulting in tense ascites and interstitial edema. This compromises venous cannula flow leading to inadequate patient support. It is debatable whether decompressive laparotomy should be performed in these patients due to the risk of bleeding and poor prognosis. We sought to evaluate the effect of decompressive laparotomy on ECMO support and patient survival.

METHODS

We reviewed our tertiary care children's hospital ECMO registry (2000-2011) identifying those who underwent decompressive laparotomy. All had ACS as characterized by abdominal hypertension with abdominal distention, hemodynamic instability, oliguria, rising central venous pressures, and inadequate venous return to the ECMO circuit. Physiologic parameters immediately before and 60 min after laparotomy were compared using a signed rank test.

RESULTS

Seven patients were identified. ACS developed within 8 h of initiating ECMO in 6 patients. Decompressive laparotomy resulted in significant improvement of patient physiologic parameters and ECMO venous return. One patient had significant bleeding following laparotomy. There were no survivors but three were organ donation candidates after stabilization via decompressive laparotomy.

CONCLUSION

Decompressive laparotomy for ACS in patients on ECMO markedly improves support and tissue perfusion. While in our series ECMO complicated by ACS carries a poor prognosis, we cannot confidently define this as futile therapy due to the limited sample size.

Abdominal compartment syndrome in newborns and children supported on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of timely peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter in children with abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) while supported on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). We present a case series of four patients who developed significant intraperitoneal fluid accumulation and ACS at the general pediatric and cardiac intensive care units in a tertiary children's hospital. The hospital's ECMO database was queried for patients supported on ECMO who required PD catheter placement. These patients were assessed for clinical characteristics and outcomes. Four patients were identified with capillary leak syndrome associated with a primary diagnosis: cardiac transplant rejection in one, septic shock and acute respiratory distress syndrome in two, and neonatal hydrops fetalis in one patient. In each of these patients, a PD catheter was placed for severe abdominal distension and proven/suspected ACS. There was dramatic improvement in venous return after drainage of peritoneal fluid. Two patients were subsequently able to be separated successfully from ECMO support. One patient died of acute neurologic complication and the other because of severe gastrointestinal bleeding. After ruling out common causes for decreased venous return, ACS should be suspected as one of the important causes, especially in patients with massive capillary leak and increasing abdominal distension, among patients supported on ECMO. Timely placement of a PD catheter in patients who develop abdominal distension and ACS can substantially improve venous return and thus help maintain adequate tissue perfusion by improving ECMO flows.

[Utility of monitoring intra-abdominal pressure in critically ill children]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the usefulness of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) measurement, by the intra-vesical method, in order to identify those patients at risk of developing intra-abdominal hypertension, as well as to analyse the factors that affect the IAP, and to determine their influence on the prognosis in critically ill patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Prospective observational study in critically ill children in whom the IAP was monitored as soon as signs of intra-abdominal hypertension appeared. The following variables were analysed: age, sex, reason for admission, underlying disease, previous surgeries, blood pressure, heart rate, central venous pressure, urine output, inotropic therapy, sedation, muscle relaxation, mechanical ventilation, renal replacement techniques, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 39 patients were studied. At 24hours from initiating the monitoring of IAP, 74.4% showed IAP ≥ 12mmHg, 33.3%>15mmHg, and 15.4%>20mmHg. After 48hours, 59% had intra-abdominal hypertension. There was a correlation between the central venous pressure (CVP) and IAP at 24 and 48hours (r=0.500, P=.001 and r=0.360, P=.040, respectively). There was no correlation with the other parameters. Only 9 patients required urgent decompression and none developed abdominal compartment syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

IAP monitoring can be useful to diagnose and to promptly treat intra-abdominal hypertension, and thus to prevent the abdominal compartment syndrome. Therefore, it should be measured in critically ill children with abdominal pathology.

Abdominal decompression in children

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) increases the risk for mortality in critically ill children. It occurs in association with a wide variety of medical and surgical diagnoses. Management of ACS involves recognizing the development of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) by intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) monitoring, treating the underlying cause, and preventing progression to ACS by lowering IAP. When ACS is already present, supporting dysfunctional organs and decreasing IAP to prevent new organ involvement become an additional focus of therapy. Medical management strategies to achieve these goals should be employed but when medical management fails, timely abdominal decompression is essential to reduce the risk of mortality. A literature review was performed to understand the role and outcomes of abdominal decompression among children with ACS. Abdominal decompression appears to have a positive effect on patient survival. However, prospective randomized studies are needed to fully understand the indications and impact of these therapies on survival in children.

Decompressive abdominal laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome in an unengrafted bone marrow recipient with septic shock

Objective. To describe a profoundly immunocompromised (panleukopenia) child with septic shock who developed abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) and was successfully treated with surgical decompression. Design. Individual case report. Setting. Pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary children's hospital. Patient. A 32-month-old male with Fanconi anemia who underwent bone marrow transplantation (BMT) 5 days prior to developing septic shock secondary to Streptococcus viridans and Escherichia coli ACS developed after massive fluid resuscitation, leading to cardiopulmonary instability. Interventions. Emergent surgical bedside laparotomy and silo placement. Measurements and Main Results. The patient's cardiopulmonary status stabilized after decompressive laparotomy. The abdomen was closed and the patient survived to hospital discharge without cardiac, respiratory, or renal dysfunction. Conclusions. The use of laparotomy and silo placement in an unengrafted BMT patient with ACS and septic shock did not result in additional complications. Surgical intervention for ACS is a reasonable option for high risk, profoundly immunocompromised patients.