23 Cases of ECMO (Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) support for COVID-19 related ARDS (Acute respiratory distress syndrome)

초록

Purpose : As the number of COVID-19 cases increases, the number of patients with ARDS is rapidly increasing. Venovenous-ECMO can be a rescue therapy in patients who don’t respond to optimal mechanical ventilation. We studied the efficacy and clinical significance by reviewing the 23 cases of COVID-19 ARDS treated by VV-ECMO. Methods : We reviewed retrospectively 23 COVID-19 patients who had ECMO support from 2020. 06 to 2021. 08 in a single institution. The basement characteristics, pre-ECMO supports, and P/F ratio at the time of ECMO application were compared in all cases.The main results include the type of ECMO, operating time, weaning rate, and ECMO-related complications. Results : The average age of 23 COVID-19 ECMO cases consisting of 20 males and 3 females was 62 years old. The overall weaning rate was 70%, with the average duration of operation was 18 days. The mortality was 25% in patients with a final disposition of death or discharge. The major causes of death include 3 cases of DIC, a case of septic shock, and rhabdomyolysis with renal failure. The complications related to ECMO include a case of peripheral cyanosis, 3 cases of bleeding of catheter insertion site, and 4 cases of oronasal bleeding and hematuria with heparin use. Conclusion : We report our experience of 23 ECMO cases for COVID-19 related ARDS. Active and early application of ECMO can be effective management in COVID-19 related ARDS when respiratory failure progresses rapidly.