Outcomes in Trauma Patients Undergoing Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Background: Use of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) remains controversial in trauma patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Here, we aimed to investigate its therapeutic benefits and the factors affecting patient outcomes.Methods: From 2017–2019, 21/1938 trauma patients (median age: 47 years; 20 men) at a level I trauma center received VV ECMO for post-traumatic ARDS. Demographic, injury-specific, ECMO, and outcome data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed to analyze the factors affecting hospital mortality and ECMO results.Results: Nineteen patients (90.5%) were successfully weaned off ECMO; 16 patients (76.2%) survived to discharge. In the univariate analysis, there was a significant difference in survival between the groups with a Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) ≥0.5 and TRISS <0.5 (p=0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of both TRISS and Respiratory Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Survival Prediction (RESP) scores in death was 0.78. In those who failed ECMO weaning, the AUCs of TRISS and RESP scores were 0.90 and 0.80, respectively.Conclusions: In patients with ARDS caused by severe trauma and supported by VV ECMO, survival is associated with TRISS; TRISS and RESP scores may be predictive of mortality and failure of ECMO weaning.

Medical planning for disaster response: Identifying risk factors for developing adult respiratory distress syndrome among trauma patients

Introduction: Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a well-described complication of critical illness. We hypothesized that rates of comorbid diseases in a population may influence the risk for developing ARDS in trauma patients. This can help plan medical responses.Methods: Patients from the 2017 National Trauma Databank were analyzed. Inclusion criteria were an injury severity score (ISS) of ≥ 2 and 1 or more documented days of mechanical ventilation. Data were analyzed using χ2, Student’s t test, Mann–Whitney U test, or logistic regression as indicated.Results: Diabetes (odds ratio [OR] 1.33, 95 percent confidence interval [CI] 1.17-1.52), smoking (OR 1.26, 95 percent CI 1.13-1.40), transfusion (OR 1.20, 95 percent CI 1.09-1.32), ISS (OR 1.02, 95 percent CI 1.02-1.03), male gender (OR 1.22, 95 percent CI 1.10-1.35), decreasing Glasgow coma score (OR 1.04, 95 percent CI 1.03-1.05), and increasing abbreviated injury score of the thorax (OR 1.12, 95 percent CI 1.09-1.16) were associated with an increase in risk for developing ARDS.Conclusion: Diabetes and smoking are risk factors for developing ARDS after trauma. Medical response planning in countries with high rates of diabetes mellitus or smoking should take into account a greater need for intensive care and longer patient admissions to field hospitals.

Experience with veno-venous ecmo in patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome secondary to viral pneumonia. Case series

Introduction: The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has increased exponentially in recent years and has shown to be effective in treating adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to H1N1-related pneumonia. However, evidence remains controversial. This study describes a case series of ECMO in ARDS secondary to viral pneumonia. Methods: A search was conducted in the ECMO database of Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia for the 2013-2017 period. A case series report was written of patients diagnosed with ARDS secondary to confirmed or suspected viral pneumonia. Results: Nineteen patients with ECMO support and ARDS due to viral pneumonia were included in the study. The survival rate upon discharge was 11 patients (58%) and weaning from ECMO support was successful in 13 patients (68%). Hemorrhagic complications were the most frequent: gastrointestinal bleeding, 10 patients (53%); intracranial bleeding, 2 (10%); alveolar hemorrhage, 2 (10%);’ hemothorax requiring thoracostomy with chest tube drainage, 2 (10%); cannulation site bleeding, 9 patients (47%); and surgical site bleeding in 3 patients (25%) who required tracheostomy. Other complications were: pneumothorax, 1 patient (5%); sepsis, 6 patients (32%); and growth of microorganisms in bronchial lavage, 6 patients (32%). Conclusions: This study supports the use of veno-venous ECMO to achieve a higher survival rate than expected in patients with severe ARDS and refractory hypoxemia secondary to viral pneumonia. Early initiation of the therapy should improve overall results.