Does a Mobile ECLS Program Reduce Mortality for Patients Transported for ECLS Therapy for Severe Acute Respiratory...

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Cardiopulmonary Support
• Respiratory Failure Management

Background:

• Severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) often necessitates extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
• Transporting unstable ARDS patients for ECMO presents significant risks.
• A mobile ECMO program aims to provide advanced life support at referring institutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a mobile extracorporeal membrane oxygenation program on patient mortality.
• To assess the effectiveness of ECMO implementation at outside hospitals for unstable ARDS patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 77 patients requiring ECMO for ARDS.
• Comparison of mortality rates before and after the introduction of a mobile ECMO team.
• Analysis of 28-day in-hospital mortality.

Main Results:

• The 28-day in-hospital mortality was significantly lower in the post-mobile ECMO group (23.5%) compared to the pre-mobile group (50%).
• An adjusted risk difference of 28.6% favored the mobile ECMO approach (p = 0.011).

Conclusions:

• Mobile ECMO services can reduce mortality in severe ARDS patients requiring inter-facility transport.
• Establishing a mobile extracorporeal life support team is beneficial for referral centers managing critically ill patients.