BackgroundExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly used in resuscitation of critically ill patients with documented improved survival. Few studies describe ECMO use in cardiogenic shock. This study examines ECMO use and identifies variables associated with mortality in patients treated for cardiogenic shock in US hospitals.MethodsA retrospective observational study of the US Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) database of 2013 was conducted. Weighted visits for cardiogenic shock (discharge diagnosis) with ECMO use were included. Collected data was analyzed and variables associated with mortality were identified.ResultsA total of 922 weighted patients with cardiogenic shock and ECMO were included. Mean age was 50.8 years. They were more commonly males (66.3%; n = 658). Slightly over half (51.0%, n = 506) survived to hospital discharge. Mean charges per patient were $589,610.5. Mean length of stay was 21.8 days.Increased mortality was associated with presence of respiratory diseases (OR = 3.83), genitourinary diseases (OR = 4.97), undergoing an echocardiogram (OR = 4.63), and presenting during seasons other than Fall. Lower mortality was noted in patients with injury and poisoning (OR = 0.47), in those who underwent certain vascular procedures (OR = 0.49) and those with increasing length of stay (OR = 0.90).ConclusionMortality in patients with cardiogenic shock remains high despite ECMO use. Season of admission (other than Fall) and presence of specific comorbidities (Respiratory and genitourinary diseases) are associated with increased mortality in this population. Familiarity with these variables can help identify patients at higher risk of death and can help improve outcomes further in cardiogenic shock.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12873-018-0171-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background and Objectives: Real-time remote tele-mentored echocardiography (RTMUS echo) involves the transmission of clinical ultrasound (CU) cardiac images with direct feedback from a CU expert at a different location. In this review, we summarize the current uses of RTMUS to diagnose and manage cardiovascular dysfunction and discuss expanded and future uses. Materials and Methods: We performed a literature search (PubMed and EMBase) to access articles related to RTMUS echo. We reviewed articles for selection using Covidence, a web-based tool for managing systematic reviews and data were extracted using a separate standardized collection form. Results: Our search yielded 15 articles. Twelve of these articles demonstrated the feasibility of having a novice sonographer mentored by a tele-expert in obtaining a variety of cardiac ultrasound views. The articles discussed different technological specifications for the RTMUS system, but all showed that adequate images were able to be obtained. Overall, RTMUS echo was found to be a positive intervention that contributed to patient care. Conclusion: RTMUS echo allows for rapid access to diagnostic imaging in various clinical settings. RTMUS echo can help in assessing patients that may require a higher level of isolation precautions or in other resource-constrained environments. In the future, identifying the least expensive way to utilize RTMUS echo will be important.

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Background ECMO is increasingly used for patients with critical illnesses. This study examines ECMO use in patients with cardiogenic shock in US hospitals and associated outcomes (mortality, hospital length of stay, and total hospital charges). Methods A matched cohort retrospective study was conducted using the 2013 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample. Cardiogenic shock visits were matched (1 : 1) and compared based on ECMO use. Results Patients with ECMO (N = 802) were compared to patients without ECMO (N = 805). Mortality was higher in the ECMO group (48.9% versus 4.0%, p < 0.001). Visits with ECMO use also had higher average hospital charges ($580,065.8 versus $156,436.5, p < 0.001) and average hospital LOS (21.3 versus 11.6 days, p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounders, mortality (OR = 8.52 (95% CI: 2.84–25.58)) and charges (OR = 1.03 (95% CI: 1.02–1.05)) remained higher in the ECMO group, while LOS was similar (OR = 1.01 (95% CI: 0.99–1.02)). Conclusions Patients with cardiogenic shock who underwent ECMO had increased mortality and higher cost of care without significant increase in LOS when compared to patients with cardiogenic shock without ECMO use. Prospective evaluation of this observed association is needed to improve outcomes and resources' utilization further.

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