Key result
Pediatric ECMO linked to a ~5-point lower quality of life vs. matched PICU controls.
Why the study?
To better characterize the longer-term outcomes of ECMO itself by evaluating HRQoL, neurodevelopmental, motor, and cognitive outcomes in pediatric ECMO survivors compared to matched controls.
Does ECMO support reduce long-term health-related quality of life in pediatric intensive care survivors compared to matched PICU controls?
Case-Control (n=84)
No
Does ECMO support reduce long-term health-related quality of life in pediatric intensive care survivors compared to matched PICU controls?
Mean Difference: -5.4 (95% CI -10.6–-0.3)
Absolute Event Rate: 71.4% vs 77.2%
p-value: p=0.040
Pediatric ECMO survivors experience slightly lower long-term health-related quality of life, particularly in physical functioning, compared to matched critically ill PICU survivors.
May support HRQoL monitoring in pediatric ECMO survivors; leaves open causality versus illness severity.
Introduction Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is an intervention used for neonates, infants, and children with severe respiratory or cardiac failure. While ECMO has been linked to improved survival rates, it is also associated with neurological complications and potential long-term effects on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), when compared to healthy peers. In order to better characterize the longer-term outcomes of ECMO itself, this study evaluated HRQoL, as well as neurodevelopmental, motor, and cognitive outcomes in pediatric ECMO survivors in comparison to a matched control group. Methods We conducted a prospective cross-sectional matched case-control study at Nantes University Hospital, France. Forty-two ECMO survivors supported with ECMO from January 2014 to January 2023 were matched with 42 pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) survivors. HRQoL was assessed using the PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Questionnaire. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were evaluated with the Age and Stage Questionnaire (ASQ) or the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), motor function with the Global Motor Function Classification Score (GMFCS), and executive functioning with the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). Results Overall HRQoL scores were slightly lower in the ECMO group, with a mean adjusted difference for HRQoL total score of -5.4, 95%CI -10.6 to -0.3, p=0.040 . Notably, physical functioning was lower in the ECMO group, with a mean adjusted difference of -9.6, 95%CI -16.8 to -2.5, p=0.009 . Amongother outcome measures reported, executive function complaints affected approximately one thirds of the cohort and were associated with impaired HRQoL. Among other variables tested, parental stress index and parental level of education were also associated with HRQoL total score or subdomains. Conclusion ECMO survivors often experience slight changes in their health-related quality of life as compared with a matched control cohort, particularly in physical functioning. This study also identifies cognitive and executive functioning impairments that may persist long after discharge from the PICU.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
HELLAYE et al. (2025) conducted a case-control in Severe respiratory or cardiac failure (n=84). Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) vs. Matched pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) survivors was evaluated on Total health-related quality of life (HRQoL) score assessed via PedsQL 4.0 (MD -5.4, 95% CI -10.6 to -0.3, p=0.040). Pediatric ECMO survivors experienced slightly lower overall health-related quality of life compared to matched PICU controls, with a mean adjusted difference of -5.4 points.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: