ECMO Use in the Pediatric Immunocompromised Hematology/Oncology Patient

Abstract

The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has expanded dramatically since its introduction in the late 1970s. While hematologic or oncologic comorbidities were considered near absolute contraindications to ECMO only a decade ago, recent successful case reports and database reviews have indicated that ECMO has been and can be used successfully in this patient population. In this chapter we provide an introduction to ECMO with some of the important considerations regarding the circuitry/application. This is followed by a review of the current available literature regarding the use of ECMO in immunocompromised/oncology/hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients. Finally, we propose a process by which a clinician may approach the decision as to whether ECMO should be considered given the complex nature of each individual patient.