Prognostic value of cerebral tissue oxygen saturation during neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Objectives: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support is indicated in severe and refractory respiratory or circulatory failures. Neurological complications are typically represented by acute ischemic or hemorrhagic lesions, which induce higher morbidity and mortality. The primary goal of this study was to assess the prognostic value of cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (StcO2) on mortality in neonates and young infants treated with ECMO. A secondary objective was to evaluate the association between StcO2 and the occurrence of cerebral lesions.
Study Design: This was a prospective study in infants < 3 months of age admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit and requiring ECMO support.
Measurements: The assessment of cerebral perfusion was made by continuous StcO2 monitoring using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) sensors placed on the two temporo-parietal regions. Neurological lesions were identified by MRI or transfontanellar echography.
Results: Thirty-four infants <3 mo...