International survey on ECMO candidacy and exclusion criteria for infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Introduction Severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Pre/post-natal risk factors guide decisions on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) intervention. We aimed to describe variations in ECMO decision-making for neonatal CDH. Methods We distributed a practice-based survey (October 2023) to assess institutional ECMO guidelines for neonatal CDH. Respondents included neonatal/pediatric intensivists, surgeons, and ECMO coordinators. We used descriptive statistics for analysis. Results Formal CDH management guidelines were reported by 60 (77%) from 82 respondents across 12 countries. The most common exclusion criteria were prematurity (73%), low birthweight (72%), and aneuploidy (58%). Pre-existing neurological complications, single ventricle palliation heart disease, and genetics-related poor neurodevelopmental prognosis were the most cited exclusion criteria independent of CDH severity. Conclusion Significant practice variation exists in the exclusion criteria for ECMO in neonatal CDH. There remains an opportunity for a more unified approach regarding ECMO use in infants with severe CDH.