Outcomes after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients

Abstract

Background: Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) support is increasingly used in the management of COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, the clinical decision-making to initiate V-V ECMO for severe COVID-19 still remains unclear. In order to determine the optimal timing and patient selection, we investigated the outcomes of both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients undergoing V-V ECMO support. Methods: Overall, 138 patients were included in this study. Patients were stratified into two cohorts: those with COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 ARDS. Results: The survival in patients with COVID-19 was statistically similar to non-COVID-19 patients (p =.16). However, the COVID-19 group demonstrated higher rates of bleeding (p =.03) and thrombotic complications (p