Hair loss after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the factors associated with hair loss reported after the completion of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.


METHODS
Prospective survey and retrospective chart review.


METHODS
Tertiary care pediatric and adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation program in a children's hospital.


METHODS
All patients aged > or =60 months who underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for respiratory or cardiac failure.


METHODS
Telephone survey of all patients or patient families who met study entry criteria.


RESULTS
Twelve extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients met entry criteria. Nine were contacted and surveyed. Seven children and one adult reported hair loss. One child had no reported hair loss. One patient had a reported hair loss of <10%, three had 25% hair loss, two had 50% hair loss, and two had >50% hair loss. Initial hair loss occurred between 2 wks and 3 months after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and lasted from 1 to 6 months. No patient sought medical treatment and all reported regrowth of their hair by 6 months after identifying the initial hair loss.


CONCLUSIONS
Hair loss after critical illness is a well-documented phenomenon. Hair loss after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has not been previously reported. The etiology of the hair loss is probably multifactorial and resolves spontaneously. Patients and families should be educated about hair loss as a potential side effect of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation during their post-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and discharge teaching.
Pettignano
Robert
R
Division of Critical Care Medicine, Nemours Children's Clinic Orlando, Orlando, FL 32806, USA. rpettignano@nemours.org
Heard
Micheal L
ML
Labuz
Michele D
MD
Wagoner
Scott F
SF
Fortenberry
James
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000505:Alopecia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016638:Critical Illness; D003625:Data Collection; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D015199:Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006197:Hair / Q000254:growth & development; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013689:Telephone; D013997:Time Factors