Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Patients: A Pilot Study

ASAIO J. 2020 Apr;66(4):447-453. doi: 10.1097/MAT.0000000000001035.

Abstract

In this pilot study, we evaluated the long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in neonatal and pediatric patients supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and aimed to identify the role of post-ECMO magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting neurodevelopmental outcomes. Twenty-nine patients were evaluated using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition (ASQ-3) screening tool. Thirteen were evaluated during their visit at the neurodevelopmental clinic and 16 were interviewed via phone. We also reviewed the post-ECMO MRI brain of these patients and scored the severity of their injury based on the neuroimaging findings. In our cohort of 29 patients, 10 patients (34%) had developmental delay. Of those with developmental delay, 80% were newborns. Sixty-seven percent of patients with developmental delay had moderate to severe MRI abnormalities as compared with only 18% with no developmental deficits (p = 0.03). The younger the age at the time of placement on ECMO, the higher the chances of impaired neurodevelopmental outcome. Long-term follow-up of patients who have survived ECMO, with standardized neuropsychologic testing and post-ECMO imaging, should become the standard of care to improve long-term outcomes. Significant abnormalities on brain MRIs done before discharge correlated with developmental delay on follow-up.

MeSH terms

  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cohort Studies
  • Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders / etiology*
  • Pilot Projects