Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation promotes survival in children with trauma related respiratory failure

Pediatr Surg Int. 2012 Jul;28(7):711-4. doi: 10.1007/s00383-012-3102-x. Epub 2012 May 13.

Abstract

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), which is used for cardiopulmonary support in many non-trauma settings, may also be of use in pediatric patients with traumatic lung injury by allowing the lung to rest and heal. We have utilized ECMO to support three multitrauma pediatric patients with posttraumatic respiratory failure in the past 2 years. We sought to review our experience at a level 1 tertiary care children's hospital in this patient population. Our outcomes along with the limited number of pediatric trauma patients previously reported in the literature suggest that ECMO may be safely and effectively used to manage respiratory failure in this patient population.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic
  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation / methods*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lung Injury / complications
  • Male
  • Multiple Trauma / complications*
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / etiology
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / therapy*
  • Survival
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wounds, Gunshot / complications