This article shows a cohort study that compared the duration on mechanical ventilation prior to ECMO initiation in survivors and non survivors in patients with COVID-19.

This study, showed that the mortality in patients who started ECMO early (mechanical ventilation for 4 +/-2 days) was less than the mortality for the ones who started ECMO late (mechanical ventilation for 9 +/- 2 days). If ECMO was started more than 7 days after mechanical ventilation the mortality reached 100%

The study shows the possibility that, if patients with refractory hypoxemia with COVID-19 can be identified early, the early use of ECMO can potentially be of mortality benefit.

Any information or statement present in this post does not replace your health care provider’s advice or treatment. This blog does not provide medical advice, prescribe medications or therapies, or diagnose conditions, it only expresses an opinion. If you have a health-related question or condition, confer with your healthcare provider.