Efficacy of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in acute myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock

AimWe analyzed the results of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS) necessitating extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and investigated for the associated risk factors for poor clinical outcomes.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 27 patients who required ECMO for AMI associated with CS between April 2006 and July 2010. Mean age was 63.7 ± 11.0 (range: 45–81) years, and there were 16 males (59.3%).ResultsThe mean duration of ECMO support was 30.2 ± 30.1 (range: 1–141) h. Cardiopulmonary resuscitations (CPR) were performed in 21 patients (77.8%) before ECMO initiation. Twenty-two patients (81.5%) were successfully weaned off ECMO, and 16 patients (59.3%) survived to discharge. The 30-day mortality was 37.0% (10/27 patients). Complications developed in 17 patients (63.0%: pneumonia in 10 patients, acute renal failure in 10 patients, massive bleeding in 4 patients, and thromboembolic event in 1 patient). The period between CPR initiation and ECMO commencement was a significant risk factor for ECMO weaning failure. High pre-ECMO serum lactate level was identified as a significant risk factor for poor survival on univariated and multivariated analysis.ConclusionECMO support could improve survival in patients who suffer AMI associated with CS, and early ECMO initiation yields better outcomes (successful ECMO weaning).