What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim was to assess the rates and predictors of ECMO receipt and survival in children transferred to an ECMO center.

March 26, 2026

1049: Outcomes of Children Urgently Transferred From Pediatric Icus to a Regional Pediatric Ecmo Center

Key Points

The aim was to assess the rates and predictors of ECMO receipt and survival in children transferred to an ECMO center.
Conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study in the U.S. Northeast from 2013-2022
Included patients aged 0-18 years transferred from 5 PICUs
Collected demographic and clinical data from patients' records
Analyzed referral and transfer characteristics along with patient outcomes
97% of referred patients were successfully transferred to the ECMO center
22% of patients were cannulated onto ECMO after transfer
17% mortality rate observed among referred patients
Patients receiving ECMO were older and had higher illness severity scores compared to those who did not

Abstract

Introduction: Pediatric extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an advanced therapy offered by few centers. Often, patients with severe cardiopulmonary failure undergo urgent transfer from pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) to an ECMO center for potential cannulation. Given the risks associated with ECMO and transport, it is crucial to identify patients most likely to benefit from transfer and ECMO support. Our objective was to determine the rates of and factors contributing to receipt of ECMO and survival of children urgently transferred to an ECMO center. Methods: We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients 0-18 years referred by 5 PICUs to a pediatric ECMO center in the U.S. Northeast from 2013-2022. We excluded patients already on ECMO at referral and those referred for procedures needing ECMO back-up (not imminently requiring support). Patients’ records were linked across referring PICUs and the ECMO center. We collected demographic data, referral/transfer characteristics, clinical data at various timepoints, and patient outcomes. Results: Preliminary results from completed reviews of 37 records showed that 36 (97%) referred patients were transferred to the ECMO center. One patient did not transfer due to clinical improvement. Mean referral time from PICU admission was 2.3 (SD 3.2) days and transfer occurred at a median of 6.5 (IQR 4.9, 8.6) hours from initial referral. Eight (22%) patients were cannulated onto ECMO at a median of 8.4 (IQR 4.4, 13.9) hours from ECMO center admission. Six (17%) patients died, all after transfer to the ECMO center, including 4 (50%) patients placed on ECMO. Unadjusted analysis showed that patients who received ECMO support were older (median 1.5 vs. 0.5 years), and at transfer, were more severely ill (median PRISM-III score 19.5 vs. 9) with greater life support needs (median OI 12.1 vs. 8.9 and median VIS 10 vs. 7.5). Conclusions: In a regional pediatric ECMO referral network, 22% of referred patients subsequently received ECMO support, with a 17% mortality rate among all referred patients. Factors associated with ECMO cannulation will be determined using cluster analysis once data for the entire cohort is complete. Findings can potentially inform ECMO referral and transfer practices across a referral network.

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