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Exploring the influence of extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support on neurodevelopmental outcomes in paediatric cardiac patients: a systematic review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 May 2025

Jeevan Francis Open the ORCID record for Jeevan Francis [Opens in a new window] ,
Ashwini Chandiramani ,
Alan George ,
Joseph George  and
Tim Jones
Jeevan Francis*
Affiliation:
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, UK
Ashwini Chandiramani
Affiliation:
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK
Alan George
Affiliation:
Department of Anaesthesia, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, UK
Joseph George
Affiliation:
Department of Paediatric Cardiac Surgery, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Birmingham, UK
Tim Jones
Affiliation:
Department of Paediatric Cardiac Surgery, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Birmingham, UK
*
Corresponding author: Jeevan Francis; Email: [email protected]
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Abstract

Background:

Mechanical circulatory support, and specifically extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation, plays a critical role in managing paediatric cardiac patients with severe heart failure. Whilst these technologies are vital for bridging patients to recovery or heart transplantation, it is imperative to study the influence of extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation on neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Objectives:

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the influence of extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation on neurodevelopmental outcomes in paediatric cardiac patients, both post-cardiotomy and non-cardiotomy patients were included.

Methodology:

A comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and PsychInfo to identify primary research articles exploring the effects of extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation on neurodevelopmental outcomes in paediatric heart patients from inception to June 2024.

Results:

Our search yielded 5488 papers of which eight papers were included featuring 302 patients.

Conclusion:

The discussion highlights the considerable variability in neurodevelopmental outcomes and how they are measured among extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation survivors. Outcomes vary by patient factors, with recovery potential influenced by the duration and timing of follow-up. We emphasised the importance of standardised assessment tools and extended follow-ups to gain a clearer understanding of these outcomes.

Keywords

Mechanical circulatory supportECMOCHD
Type
Review
Information
Cardiology in the Young , First View , pp. 1 - 12
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press

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