Should the Vasoactive Inotropic Score be a Determinant for Early Initiation of VA ECMO in Postcardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock?

Objectives: The authors investigated the role of early venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) implantation in patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS) on mortality and morbidity when integrating vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) and type of catecholamine support.

Design: A retrospective, multicenter, observational study with propensity-weight matching.

Setting: Four university-affiliated intensive care units.

Participants: Patients with PCS in the operating room.

Interventions: Early VA ECMO support.

Measurements And Main Results: Of 2,742 patients screened during the study period, 424 (16%) patients were treated with inotropic drugs, and 75 (3%) patients were supported by VA ECMO in the operating room. Patients supported by VA ECMO had a higher use of vasopressor and inotropic drugs, with a higher VIS score. After propensity matching (integrating VIS and catecholamines type), mortality (56% v 20%, p < 0.001) and morbidity (cardiac, renal, transfusion) were higher in patients supported by VA ECMO than in a matched control group.

Conclusions: When matching integrated the pre-ECMO VIS and the type of catecholamines, VA ECMO remained associated with high mortality and morbidity, suggesting that VIS alone should not be used as a main determinant of VA ECMO implantation.