Salla Jäämaa-Holmberg1,2, Birgitta Salmela1, Raili Suojaranta3, Janne J Jokinen4, Karl B Lemström2,3, Jyri Lommi1. 1. Department of Cardiology, Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. 2. Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. 3. Department of Cardiac Surgery, Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. 4. Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Päijät-Häme Central Hospital, Lahti, Finland.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Our goal was to study the outcome of patients with cardiogenic shock who were treated with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO), including the subsequent long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 133 consecutive patients treated in a single centre from 2007 to 2016. The HRQoL was studied using the EuroQuol-5 dimensions-3 level questionnaire and the RAND 36-Item Short Form Health Survey at a minimum of 1 year after VA ECMO. RESULTS: Of all patients, 66 (49.6%) were weaned from VA ECMO and 16 (12.0%) patients were bridged directly to a transplant, 15 (11.3%) to a ventricular assist device and 1 (0.8%) to a total artificial heart. Survival to discharge was 63.9% and to 1 year, 60.9%. A higher in-hospital mortality rate was independently associated with lower HCO3 at VA ECMO implantation [odds ratio (OR) 1.2/decrease of 1 mmol/l in HCO3 (95% confidence interval 1.1-1.3, P < 0.001)] and with increased need of red blood cells transfused during intensive care [OR 1.9/unit of red blood cells needed/day (95% confidence interval 1.4-2.6, P < 0.001)]. HRQoL measured with the EuroQuol-5 dimensions-3 level questionnaire was equal to the HRQoL of the general population. In the 36-Item Short Form questionnaire, patients reported better emotional well-being and equal energy, pain and general health perception compared to the general population. Limitations were experienced only in physical health. In total, 56% of the patients ≤ 60 years had returned to work. CONCLUSIONS: VA ECMO can provide acceptable long-term survival with good HRQoL for selected patients with refractory cardiogenic shock. Timing of patient assessment and of VA ECMO implantation is essential because deeper acidosis is associated with a higher in-hospital mortality rate.
OBJECTIVES: Our goal was to study the outcome of patients with cardiogenic shock who were treated with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO), including the subsequent long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 133 consecutive patients treated in a single centre from 2007 to 2016. The HRQoL was studied using the EuroQuol-5 dimensions-3 level questionnaire and the RAND 36-Item Short Form Health Survey at a minimum of 1 year after VA ECMO. RESULTS: Of all patients, 66 (49.6%) were weaned from VA ECMO and 16 (12.0%) patients were bridged directly to a transplant, 15 (11.3%) to a ventricular assist device and 1 (0.8%) to a total artificial heart. Survival to discharge was 63.9% and to 1 year, 60.9%. A higher in-hospital mortality rate was independently associated with lower HCO3 at VA ECMO implantation [odds ratio (OR) 1.2/decrease of 1 mmol/l in HCO3 (95% confidence interval 1.1-1.3, P < 0.001)] and with increased need of red blood cells transfused during intensive care [OR 1.9/unit of red blood cells needed/day (95% confidence interval 1.4-2.6, P < 0.001)]. HRQoL measured with the EuroQuol-5 dimensions-3 level questionnaire was equal to the HRQoL of the general population. In the 36-Item Short Form questionnaire, patients reported better emotional well-being and equal energy, pain and general health perception compared to the general population. Limitations were experienced only in physical health. In total, 56% of the patients ≤ 60 years had returned to work. CONCLUSIONS: VA ECMO can provide acceptable long-term survival with good HRQoL for selected patients with refractory cardiogenic shock. Timing of patient assessment and of VA ECMO implantation is essential because deeper acidosis is associated with a higher in-hospital mortality rate.