Delivery decision in pregnant women rescued by ECMO for severe ARDS: a retrospective multicenter cohort study

Although rarely addressed in the literature, a key question in the care of critically pregnant women with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), especially at the time of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) decision, is whether delivery might substantially improve the mother's and child's conditions. This multicenter, retrospective cohort aims to report maternal and fetal short- and long-term outcomes of pregnant women with ECMO-rescued severe ARDS according to the timing of the delivery decision taken before or after ECMO cannulation.

We included critically ill women with ongoing pregnancy or within 15 days after a maternal/child-rescue-aimed delivery supported by ECMO for a severe ARDS between October 2009 and August 2021 in four ECMO centers. Clinical characteristics, critical care management, complications, and hospital discharge status for both mothers and children were collected. Long-term outcomes and premature birth complications were assessed.

Among 563 women on venovenous ECMO during the study period, 11 were cannulated during an ongoing pregnancy at a median (range) of 25 (21-29) gestational weeks, and 13 after an emergency delivery performed at 32 (17-39) weeks of gestation. Pre-ECMO PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio was 57 (26-98) and did not differ between the two groups. Patients on ECMO after delivery reported more major bleeding (46 vs. 18%, p = 0.05) than those with ongoing pregnancy. Overall, the maternal hospital survival was 88%, which was not different between the two groups. Four (36%) of pregnant women had a spontaneous expulsion on ECMO, and fetal survival was higher when ECMO was set after delivery (92% vs. 55%, p = 0.03). Among newborns alive, no severe preterm morbidity or long-term sequelae were reported.

Continuation of the pregnancy on ECMO support carries a significant risk of fetal death while improving prematurity-related morbidity in alive newborns with no difference in maternal outcomes. Decisions regarding timing, place, and mode of delivery should be taken and regularly (re)assess by a multidisciplinary team in experienced ECMO centers.