Clinical Outcomes and Risk Factors in Pediatric Postcardiotomy Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A…

Cohort studyASAIO journal (American Society for Artificial Internal Organs : 1992)· Jun 2026

Clinical Outcomes and Risk Factors in Pediatric Postcardiotomy Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study.

Bo Xu, Xing Zhou, Xinrui Yu … Chinese Society of Extracorporeal Life Support (CSECLS)

Transplant & Mechanical SupportCohort studyPrognosisQ2IF 2.0

Fewer than half of children survived to discharge after postcardiotomy ECMO.

Clinical Outcomes and Risk Factors in Pediatric Postcardiotomy Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study.

Bo Xu … Chinese Society of Extracorporeal Life Support (CSECLS)

ASAIO journal (American Society for Artificial Internal Organs · Jun 2026 · Q2 in General Medicine

Background

Postcardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (postcardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) is a critical rescue therapy for pediatric patients with refractory circulatory failure following cardiac surgery.

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate in-hospital mortality and identify potential risk factors for adverse outcomes in pediatric postcardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients, using data from the Chinese Society of Extracorporeal Life Support registry.

Methods

We analyzed pediatric patients (< 18 years) who received postcardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for circulatory support from December 2016 to April 2024.

n = 487 patients

48.9%

Results

48.9%

just under half of children survived to hospital discharge

n = 487 patients

More results

Higher mortality was observed in neonates (61.4%) than in infants and children.

More results

Independent predictors of in-hospital mortality included RACHS-2 category 4-5 (odds ratio [OR]: 2.976, p < 0.001), aortic cross-clamp time greater than 90 minutes (OR: 1.931, p = 0.007), elevated lactate at 24 hours post-ECMO (OR: 1.221 per mmol/L, p < 0.001), and renal complications (OR: 3.135, p < 0.001).

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Conclusion

In-hospital mortality in pediatric patients receiving postcardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation remains high, and is strongly influenced by surgical complexity, aortic cross-clamp time, metabolic recovery, and renal function.

Clinical Outcomes and Risk Factors in Pediatric Postcardiotomy Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study.

Clinical Outcomes and Risk Factors in Pediatric Postcardiotomy Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study.

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