Challenges in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support include defining appropriate patient selection criteria and prognostic factors. Severe acidosis prior to ECMO deployment is often considered a relative contraindication and an independent predictor of mortality. We present a case of a term infant, with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn with severe pre-ECMO acidosis (arterial blood pH 6.596) in whom venoarterial ECMO was instituted successfully without major circuit or patient-associated complications. At seven months of age, he exhibited age-appropriate neurodevelopmental milestones. We therefore report this instance of successful use of ECMO in the setting of extreme acidosis.
Keywords: acidosis; extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; neonate; persistent pulmonary hypertension.
© The Author(s) 2014.