Extracorporal life support for pulmonary hemorrhage in children: a case series.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the use and outcome of extracorporeal life support in children with severe respiratory failure caused by pulmonary hemorrhage.


METHODS
Retrospective case series report.


METHODS
Pediatric intensive care unit in a university children's hospital.


METHODS
Eight patients <19 yrs of age who required extracorporeal life support for severe respiratory failure associated with pulmonary hemorrhage.


METHODS
Venoarterial or venovenous extracorporeal life support.


METHODS
Ventilatory support parameters and systemic PaO2/FiO2 ratio before extracorporeal life support, time on extracorporeal life support, number of ventilator days, number of intensive care unit days, number of hospital days, continued bleeding on extracorporeal life support, and survival.


RESULTS
All patients had resolution of their pulmonary hemorrhage within 24 hrs. All patients survived to decannulation, extubation, and hospital discharge. All patients are alive, with follow-up times ranging from 1 to 10 yrs.


CONCLUSIONS
Extracorporeal life support is not contraindicated in patients with severe respiratory failure with associated pulmonary hemorrhage and may be a life-sustaining supportive therapy.
Kolovos
Nikoleta S
NS
Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, USA. kolovos@umich.edu
Schuerer
Douglas J E
DJ
Moler
Frank W
FW
Bratton
Susan L
SL
Swaniker
Fresca
F
Bartlett
Robert H
RH
Custer
Joseph R
JR
Annich
Gail
G
D000293:Adolescent; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015199:Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation; D005260:Female; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018805:Sepsis / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome