Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the treatment of severe pulmonary hypertension in a neonate after surgery of laparoschisis

Abstract

The authors describe the case of newborn with laparoschisis in whom severe idiopathic pulmonary hypertension during postoperative period developed and initiation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to maintain circulatory stability and adequate oxygenation was necessary. ECMO was performed for 75 hours with maximum extracorporeal support up to 50% of cardiac output (Biomedicus pump BP 50, Jostra oxygenator M8).

Patient was successfully weaned and switched to conventional ventilation and nitric oxide inhalation with consequent extubation. No bleeding complications were observed during ECMO in connection with surgical repair of laparoschisis.