Neurosonographic changes in newborns treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Ten out of 40 near-term neonates on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy developed abnormal neurosonograms. We identified two abnormal patterns. Hyperechoic areas of intracranial hemorrhage were observed in two patients (a significantly lower incidence than previously reported). Diffuse or focal echogenic areas of hypoxia-ischemia resulting from periventricular leukomalacia, cerebral edema or large vessel infarction had not previously been noted in nine of these patients. Three of the ten patients survived with neurological sequelae. Recognition of hemorrhage or a hypoxic-ischemic pattern should serve as a warning to initiate or accelerate the weaning of infants from ECMO.