Systemic hypertension associated with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for pediatric respiratory failure.

Background/purpose: Arterial hypertension (HTN) is common in neonates on venoarterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), but HTN in pediatric venovenous (VV) ECMO has not been well described. The authors noted HTN in their VV ECMO experience and hypothesized that HTN was associated with fluid status, steroid use, and renal insufficiency.

Methods: Records of 50 patients receiving VV ECMO for respiratory failure were reviewed.