Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after stage 1 palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome

Objective To report the outcomes from a large multicenter cohort of neonates requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) after stage 1 palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Methods Using data from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (2000–2009), we computed the survival to hospital discharge for neonates (age ≤30 days) supported with ECMO after stage 1 palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The factors associated with mortality were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results Among 738 neonates, the survival rate was 31%. The median age at cannulation was 7 days (interquartile range, 4–11). Black race (odds ratio [OR], 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–3.6), mechanical ventilation before ECMO (>15–131 hours: OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1–2.4; >131 hours: OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.3–2.9), use of positive end expiratory pressure (>6–8 cm H2 O: OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1–2.7; >8 cm H2 O: OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2–3.1), and longer ECMO duration (per day, OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1–1.3) increased mortality. ECMO support for failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.02–2.4) also decreased survival. ECMO complications, including renal failure (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2–3.1), inotrope requirement (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1–2.1), myocardial stun (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.3–7.7), metabolic acidosis (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.3–6.7), and neurologic injury (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1–2.6), during support also increased mortality. Conclusions Mortality for neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome supported with ECMO after stage 1 palliation is high. Longer ventilation before cannulation, longer support duration, and ECMO complications increased mortality.