Fetal Diagn Ther

. 2020 Sep 1;1-6. doi: 10.1159/000509243. Online ahead of print. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32871582/

Reconsidering ECMO in Premature Neonates

K Taylor Wild ¹, Holly L Hedrick ^2 3 4, Natalie E Rintoul ^5 2 3Affiliations expand

• PMID: 32871582
• DOI: 10.1159/000509243

Abstract

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-saving intervention for neonates with respiratory failure or congenital cardiac disease refractory to maximal medical management. Early studies showed high rates of mortality and morbidities among preterm and low birthweight (BW) neonates, leading to widely accepted ECMO inclusion criteria of gestational age (GA) ≥34 weeks and BW >2 kg. In recent years, publications involving neonates of 32-34 weeks GA have reported improved survival and decreased intracranial hemorrhage. As such, ECMO should be considered on a case-by-case basis in premature neonates as long as the risks are understood.

Keywords: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia; Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; Prematurity.

© 2020 S. Karger AG, Basel.