Publications by authors named "Christine M Stead"
Background: Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the care of patients with COVID-19 has changed and the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has increased. We aimed to examine patient selection, treatments, outcomes, and ECMO centre characteristics over the course of the pandemic to date.
Methods: We retrospectively analysed the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry and COVID-19 Addendum to compare three groups of ECMO-supported patients with COVID-19 (aged ≥16 years).
Article Synopsis
- The updated guideline from ELSO focuses on using ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) for severe COVID-19 cases, primarily in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who often require venovenous (V-V) ECMO support.
- Despite longer ECMO run durations for COVID-19 patients, mortality rates appear similar to those of non-COVID-19 ECMO patients, although ongoing data suggests a potential rise in overall mortality.
- Conventional ECMO selection criteria should still apply, but during strained resources, stricter contraindications may be necessary; forming regional ECMO networks is recommended for efficient patient management and data collection.