The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is associated with better survival rates among select critically ill patients such as those with acute respiratory failure due to COVID-19 or cardiogenic shock. However, approximately one-half of patients who receive ECMO will die, and severe complications often arise during treatment, including bleeding, ischemia, and neurological problems. Consequently, the functional, cognitive, and mental outcomes after ECMO are extremely important, given that the overall goal of intensive care is survival with good or acceptable health. Yet, the short- and long-term physical and psychosocial outcomes of patients who survive after ECMO treatment are not well documented. Therefore, the study by Fernando and colleagues in this issue of JAMA is of utmost relevance.
Source: JAMA Online First