Acute Neurologic Complications During Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Systematic Review

Objectives: We determine the frequency, risk factors, and mortality of neurologic complications in adults on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and propose an algorithm for preventive strategies. Data Sources: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Study Selection: Screening was performed using predefined search terms to identify cohort studies reporting neurologic complications in adults during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation from 1990 to 2017. Data Extraction: The final reference list was generated on the basis of relevance to the discussed topics. Quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation classification of evidence scheme. Data Synthesis: In 44 studies, the median frequency of acute neurologic complications is 13% (1–78%; 5% intracranial hemorrhages, 5% ischemic strokes, 2% seizures). Neurologic complications are reported more frequently with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation compared with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (14 vs eight studies) with a median proportion of complications of 15% (6–33%; 95% CI, 8–19) for venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Median in-hospital mortality is higher with neurologic complications (83%; interquartile range, 54–100% vs 42%; interquartile range, 24–55% without neurologic complications; p
Source: Critical Care Medicine - Category: Emergency Medicine Tags: Review Articles Source Type: research