THE EFFICACY OF EXTRACORPOREAL MEMBRANE-OXYGENATION (ECMO) IN NEWBORNS WITH SEPTIC SHOCK

The efficacy of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for patients with septic shock has not yet been documented with certainty. Seven septic newborns who were resistant to conventional therapy were managed by ECMO in our hospital, and five (71.4%) survived. Veno-arterial ECMO thus was very beneficial in supporting cardiorespiratory insufficiency due to septic shock. Ultrafiltration or hemodialysis carried out on a by-pass route in the ECMO circuit was also beneficial in controlling the fluid and electrolytic imbalance often encountered in septic newborns. On the other hand, despite activated clotting times being maintained at relatively low levels compared to non-septic cases, major hemorrhagic complications occurred in more than one-half of the cases and became the main cause of death in two. Some modifications will therefore be necessary in ECMO practice for septic newborns.