Effect of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation on body water content and distribution in lambs

Water content of the various body compartments were estimated immediately after beginning extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and daily thereafter for 3 days, in seven healthy 2-month-old lambs. Total body water, extracellular water, and plasma volume were estimated simultaneously by 18O, bromide, and T-1824 dilution, respectively. Volumes of intracellular water, interstitial water, blood, and red cells were calculated from the experimental estimates. No statistically significant changes occurred in the water content of the various body compartments in relation to duration of ECMO. The data suggest that water retention, clinically noted in human neonates treated with ECMO for persistent pulmonary hypertension, may be related to the primary disease process and/or its medical management, rather than to ECMO.