Management of persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborns with ECMO support: a single center's experience.

BACKGROUND

To summarize the experience of management of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support.

METHODS

We presented three neonates with PPHN supported by ECMO in our center. Medical records and patient management notes were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

For two neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), diaphragm repair surgery was done under ECMO support. One patient was weaned from ECMO after 73 hours, and recovered well at the last follow-up after 1 year. The other patient was weaned from ECMO after 167 hours, and he died from septic shock 21 days after decannulation. For the neonate with idiopathic PPHN, ECMO was withdrawn successfully.

CONCLUSIONS

ECMO is an effective rescue means for refractory PPHN. Appropriate intervention timing, accurate coagulation, and volume management are important.