Cytokine imbalance in infants receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for respiratory failure.

Background: It is likely that the imbalance between the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines will determine the outcome in infants with severe respiratory failure receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Aims: We determined if there was an imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in serial bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid obtained from survivors and non-survivors of ECMO.

Methods: We therefore measured the cellular changes and the molar ratios of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in serial BAL fluid obtained from survivors and non-survivors of ECMO.

Modular extracorporeal life support for multiorgan failure patients.

Adults receiving respiratory Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) have 66% survival. Nonsurvivors develop multisystem organ failure (MSOF). Once hepatic failure develops, death usually follows shortly.