Outcome of Severe Adenoviral Respiratory Infection Supported With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Multicenter

Lorena Acevedo1,2,3,4, Jaime Fernández-Sarmiento1,3, Hernando Mulett1,2

  • 1Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pediatrics, Fundación Cardioinfantil-Instituto de Cardiología, Bogotá, Colombia.

Insights

Pediatric patients with severe adenoviral infections requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support showed similar survival rates compared to those with other viral infections. Key mortality factors included pre-ECMO acidosis, high Vasoactive-Inotropic Score, and delayed ECMO initiation.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiopulmonary Support

Background:

  • Severe respiratory infections in children can necessitate extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
  • Adenoviral infections are a significant cause of pediatric respiratory illness.
  • Comparative outcomes for adenoviral vs. other viral infections requiring ECMO are not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare survival, clinical characteristics, complications, and ECMO duration in pediatric patients with severe adenoviral respiratory infections versus other viral respiratory infections.
  • Identify factors associated with mortality in pediatric patients requiring ECMO for viral respiratory infections.

Main Methods:

  • Multicenter, retrospective observational study conducted in seven Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs) in Colombia.
  • Included pediatric patients (1 month to 18 years) receiving ECMO support between January 2018 and December 2022.
  • Primary outcome was 28-day survival, comparing adenoviral infection group with other viral infection groups.

Main Results:

  • 205 patients were analyzed: 39% (80) with adenoviral infections and 61% (125) with other viral infections.
  • No significant difference in 28-day survival between adenoviral (77.6%) and other viral (73.6%) infection groups (p=0.513).
  • Independent mortality predictors included pre-ECMO acidosis, high Vasoactive-Inotropic Score (VIS > 15), and delayed ECMO cannulation (>13 hours). Hemorrhagic complications occurred in 40% of patients.

Conclusions:

  • Severe adenoviral infections requiring ECMO support did not show increased mortality compared to other viral infections in pediatric patients.
  • Pre-ECMO acidosis, high VIS, and delayed ECMO initiation are critical factors influencing mortality.
  • Hemorrhagic complications are common, with increased risk associated with younger age, prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, prolonged ECMO, and renal replacement therapy.
Abstract

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