Blood transfusion strategies in patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Abstract

Objective To analyze the blood transfusion strategies in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) recievers in our hospital, so as to explore the clinical application and efficacy of blood transfusion in patients on ECMO. Methods Data from patients on ECMO treatment in our hospital from October 2017 to October 2021 was collected. The blood transfusion data and coagulation monitoring indexes during different ECMO modes were analyzed, and the efficacy of blood transfusion was evaluated. Results No difference in the number of blood transfusions was noticed by ECMO treatment modes.The transfusion units of red blood cells, plasma and platelets in VA mode were (28.35±14.60) U, (7 367.78±5 194.33) mL and (7.04±5.10) therapeutic volumes, which were higher than those in VV mode, i. e. (18.67±21.50) U, (4 836.67±6 640.50) mL and (3.60±7.47) therapeutic dose, respectively.In VA-ECMO mode, the Hb level and platelet count before ECMO treatment were (126.44±23.9) g/L and (223.84±67.62) × 109/L, which were significantly higher than those after treatment (91.02±21.48) g/L and (172.86±127.73)×109/L.In VV-ECMO mode, the APTT before ECMO treatment was (35.28±8.73) s, which was shorter than that after treatment (41.96±13.69) s. The levels of fibrinogen, Hb and platelet count were (3.80±1.85) g/L, (123.81±33.77) g/L and (175.72±98.91)×109/L, which were significantly higher than the levels after treatment (2.78±1.08) g/L, (92.31±17.38) g/L and (125.31±98.14)×109/L, respectively. Conclusion There are differences in the amount of blood transfusion among different modes of ECMO treatment. As blood transfusion is a necessary support to ensure ECMO treatment, the monitoring of coagulation index is conducive to reduce blood transfusion, improve the efficiency of blood transfusion and benefit to patient safety.

Keywords

• extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
• blood transfusion
• cardiopulmonary failure
• coagulation function monitoring