Is there a role for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in children with acute liver failure? A retrospective analysis of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry

Data describing the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) are scarce. Thus, we aimed to describe the use of ECMO in patients with PALF using the data from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) Registry between January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2022. We described patients’ characteristics at ECMO initiation, outcome, and factors associated with mortality. A total of 335 children underwent ECMO support in the context of PALF. Veno-arterial (VA) ECMO was the most prevalent mode (66.6%), followed by veno-venous (VV) ECMO (33.4%). Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) was used in 21.5% of the cardiac arrest. In-hospital mortality was 66.6%. Both higher lactate (OR 1.128, CI 1.06–1.209, p < 0.001) and PaCO₂ (OR 1.022, CI 1.001–1.047, p 0.05) levels before ECMO reported greater odds of mortality. Low body weight, persistence of hyperlactatemia (OR 0.985, CI 0.973–0.997, p 0.013), and hyperbilirubinemia (OR 2.477, CI 1.042–6.100, p 0.045) after 24 h from ECMO deployment were associated to greater odds of mortality.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that the use of ECMO for the management of respiratory and cardiac failure in patients with PALF should be considered with caution and that further research is needed to understand its role in this specific high-risk population.