Use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to monitor neonatal and pediatric extracorporeal life support

Conclusion: Based on these considerations and on the lack of specific guidelines for the use of POCUS in the neonatal and pediatric ECMO setting, the aim of this paper is to provide a systematic overview for the application of POCUS during ECMO support in these populations.What is Known:• Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides advanced cardiopulmonary support for patients with refractory acute cardiac and/or respiratory failure and requires appropriate monitoring.• Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is an accessible and adaptable tool to assess neonatal and pediatric cardiac and/or respiratory failure at bedside.What is New:• In this review, we discussed the use of POCUS to monitor and manage at bedside neonatal and pediatric patients supported with ECMO.• We explored the potential use of POCUS during all phases of ECMO support: pre-ECMO assessment, ECMO candidacy evaluation, daily evaluation of heart, lung and brain function, detection and troubleshooting of major complications, and weaning from ECMO support.
Source: European Journal of Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research