Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Including Na, Age, and Sex Is Powerful Predictor of Survival in COVID-19 Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

Aim: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is resource-intensive, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and requires careful patient selection. This study examined whether the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score is a suitable predictor of in-hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19.

Materials And Methods: We retrospectively assessed patients with COVID-19 on ECMO at our institution from March 2020 to May 2021.

Hydrogel-coated and active clearance chest drains in cardiac surgery: real-world results of a single-center study.

Purpose: Cardiac surgery patients require chest drains for postoperative fluid drainage. Innovations in this field include chemical drain coating and manual clot extraction systems, aiming to provide reduced clotting and improved patient comfort. This study compares outcomes using hydrogel-coated, active clearance and conventional chest drains.

Pectoral muscle mass is not a robust prognostic factor for survival after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation.

Background: Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are an established treatment for end-stage left ventricular heart failure. Parameters are needed to identify the most appropriate patients for LVADs. This study aimed to evaluate pectoral muscle mass and density as prognostic parameters.

Evaluation of risk factors for cytomegalovirus DNAemia after end of regular prophylaxis after heart transplantation.

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections after heart transplantation (HTx) can cause cardiac allograft vasculopathy. Consequently, monitoring and prophylaxis for cytomegalovirus deoxyribonucleic acid (CMV-DNAemia) within the first weeks after HTx is recommended.

Methods: All patients who underwent HTx between September 2010 and 2021 surviving the first 90 days (n = 196) were retrospectively reviewed.

Changes in Therapy and Outcome of Patients Requiring Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for COVID-19.

Background:  Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vv-ECMO) is related with poor outcome, especially in Germany. We aimed to analyze whether changes in vv-ECMO therapy during the pandemic were observed and lead to changes in the outcome of vv-ECMO patients.

Methods:  All patients undergoing vv-ECMO support for COVID-19 between 2020 and 2021 in a single center ( = 75) were retrospectively analyzed.