Neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: Neurodevelopmental outcome of survivors

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a sophisticated life-saving treatment measure that uses modified heart-lung bypass to treat severe respiratory failure unresponsive to conventional medical management in a select group of term or near-term infants. A predicted mortality rate of 80% or more has been reversed to a survival rate of 80% or more. Significant biologic risk factors potentially affecting developmental outcome exist for these infants. Most ECMO survivors appear to be within normal limits on standard developmental testing, but major and minor sequelae have also been identified. Long-term developmental follow-up that includes evaluation of subtle neurologic, learning, and behavior parameters is advised.