Predicting Survival for Patients Receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an effective treatment option in refractory, yet potentially reversible, cardiogenic shock. Because of its high rates of severe complications and high costs, patient selection on the basis of a predictive survival model could improve quality of care. Analyzing registry data from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organizations (160 U.S. and 120 other centers), researchers used multivariate logistic regression to identify pre-ECMO survival variables and develop a risk score.

Of 3846 patients with refractory cardiogenic shock treated with ECMO (mean age, 54; 67% male), 1601 (42%) were alive at hospital discharge. Pre-ECMO factors associated with mortality were chronic renal failure, longer duration of…