Early ECMO Improves Survival in Trauma Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

In this retrospective cohort study, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation improved survival in trauma patients with severe ARDS.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can complicate major trauma and is associated with high mortality. Case reports and small case series have reported improved survival when extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used in trauma patients with severe ARDS.

These investigators conducted a retrospective cohort study of trauma patients with severe ARDS who were intubated during 1 year before and 1 year after the initiation of an ECMO program at a single level 1 trauma center. Severe ARDS was defined as a PaO₂/FIO₂ ratio <100 along with bilateral pulmonary infiltrates. Patients in the pre-ECMO group had ventilator management guided by the ARDSnet protocol. Patients in the intervention group were treated with ECMO if they had persist…

Reviewing Author

Calvin A. Brown III, MD, FAAEM

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardVerathon, Inc. (Scientific Advisory Board Member)

Editorial boardsScientific American Emergency Medicine; Manual of Emergency Airway Management (Editor-in-Chief)

Leadership positions in professional societiesPrograms Subcommittee Chair for the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine–Residency and Fellowship Fair

Calvin A. Brown III, MD, FAAEM

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardVerathon, Inc. (Scientific Advisory Board Member)

Editorial boardsScientific American Emergency Medicine; Manual of Emergency Airway Management (Editor-in-Chief)

Leadership positions in professional societiesPrograms Subcommittee Chair for the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine–Residency and Fellowship Fair

Early ECMO Improves Survival in Trauma Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

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Reviewing Author