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Published on: April 7, 2021
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adults with acute respiratory distress syndrome
Eliotte Hirshberg1, Russell R Miller, Alan H Morris
1Pulmonary and Critical Care Divisions, Departments of Medicine, Intermountain Healthcare Urban Central, Murray, Utah 84157-7000, USA. ellie.hirshberg@imail.org
Purpose Of Review:
To evaluate the last 2 years' publications for evidence supporting use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for critically ill adults with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Recent Findings:
First, there are no new prospective studies comparing ECMO and other therapy in adults with ARDS. Second, the number of review articles and case descriptions published in the last 2 years suggests increased interest in ECMO. Third, recently published retrospective cohort studies analyzing patients from the H1N1 epidemic report conflicting conclusions.
Summary:
Intensivists may have increased their utilization of ECMO. Credible evidence for mortality benefit of ECMO is lacking. A prospective randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the efficacy of ECMO for ARDS is overdue.
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