Characteristics and outcomes of ECMO cannula-related infections: a European multicenter retrospective study

Only few data regarding epidemiology and management of ECMO cannula-related infections (ECMO-CRIs) exist. The aim of our study was to describe their epidemiology and prognosis, and to evaluate factors associated with outcome.

We performed a multicenter retrospective study in 12 European ICUs, including patients with ECMO-CRI, defined as a clinical suspicion plus a positive bacterial sample of ECMO-cannulation site. Primary objective was to describe ECMO-CRI characteristics and outcomes. Secondary objectives were to evaluate the rates of infection recurrence, their risk factors, and to evaluate the impact of antimicrobial treatment duration on outcome.

During the study period, 109 patients with ECMO-CRI (78 having concomitant positive blood culture with the same pathogen) were included. Pathogens responsible for infections were predominantly Enterobacteriaceae, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and Enterococcus spp., and 42% of episodes were polymicrobial. Rates of infection recurrence was 13% and ICU-mortality rate was 51%. Risk factors for death were concomitant bloodstream infection with same pathogen and septic shock Patients with antibiotic course ≤ 8 days had similar infection recurrence rate and outcomes (including mortality) than patients with prolonged (> 8 days) antibiotic course.

ECMO-CRIs are frequently associated with BSI and frequently polymicrobial. Duration of antimicrobial treatment for ECMO-CRI ≤ 8 days does not seem to be associated with an increased risk of recurrence or death, as compared to longer treatment.