Search

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), which has been shown to dramatically improve survival in selected neonatal patients, is now being used in some centers for pediatric patients with respiratory and cardiac failure. One of the major concerns with ECMO support is the permanent ligation of the right common carotid artery. We have used ECMO to support 10 pediatric patients with cardiac failure and 22 patients with respiratory failure. Thirty-one were cannulated via the common carotid artery and internal jugular vein on the right. Five of the last six patients with respiratory failure survived. One was on ECMO for 21 days, so the carotid artery was not amenable to repair. In the other four survivors the common carotid artery was reconstructed at the time of decannulation. In one patient, a segment of the artery was resected because of an intimal injury, and a primary anastomosis was performed. In all four, color Doppler studies of the artery prior to discharge were normal. None had clinical evidence of emboli, and a cranial computed tomography (CT) scan was normal in all four patients. These data suggest that in many pediatric patients supported with ECMO, reconstruction of the common carotid artery can be performed with low risk of embolic complications. Long-term follow-up is needed.

An anterior approach to the spine via a thoracoabdominal incision offers the surgeon many advantages. The major vascular structures are visualized, stabilization of a long segment of the spine is strong, and recovery is speedy. Nevertheless, this is a major operation and one with potential morbidity and mortality. At Children's Hospital of New Orleans, the Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery Services work together to reduce these risks and in so doing maintain an acceptable morbidity. With this two-team approach; we operated on the spines of 39 patients between 1978 and 1988. The most common indications for operation included idiopathic scoliosis, neuromuscular disease, and congenital abnormalities. A thoracoabdominal approach was used in 32 patients, a thoracic approach in four patients, and an abdominal approach in three patients. Twenty-nine patients experienced 65 complications; 45 of these complications were respiratory in nature. There were no postoperative deaths. Factors unrelated to the incidence of postoperative complications included age, volume of crystalloid infused during operation, volume of blood replacement, and length of anesthesia.

The leading cause of death in the neonatal period is respiratory failure, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an effective means of improving survival in select patients. Only neonates with severe hypoxia and acidosis are treated with ECMO. To determine the developmental outcome of the neonates we supported with ECMO, we reviewed the records of all our patients who are at least 6 months of age. The results of follow-up assessment were available for 57 patients and growth parameters were available for 43 patients. Examinations were done at 6 to 48 months (mean, 22.1). Growth parameters showed that 14% of the patients were below the tenth percentile for height and weight while 16.3% were below the tenth percentile for head circumference. Twenty-four patients were evaluated using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development consisting of a Mental Developmental Index (MDI) and a Psychomotor Developmental index (PDI). Normal scores (>84) were obtained in 75% on the MDI and in 88% on the PDI. Only two patients (8%) scored less than 85 on both portions. Twelve patients were evaluated using the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities. The mean score was 95 and nine patients (75%) had scores greater than 85. The Gessell was used to evaluate six patients and five were normal. The Denver Developmental Screening Test was used to evaluate 23 patients and all passed. The results of neurologic examination were documented in 57 patients. One patient had severe spastic quadriplegia with cerebral palsy. The neurological examination was normal in the other patients. Only one of 57 patients is profoundly delayed (2%) and 45 (79%) are normal. These results suggest that ECMO can be used in severe neonatal respiratory failure with normal developmental outcome in most patients. Severe developmental delay is unusual in patients treated with ECMO and it may be related to hypoxia and acidosis before ECMO.

Seventeen cases of vascular ring have been encountered at Ochsner Clinic over the past 22 years. Anatomic configurations consisted of double aortic arch in 11 cases, right aortic arch with left ligamentum arteriosum in five cases, and aberrant right subclavian artery in one case. In four cases chest x-ray films revealed air block or hyperinflation and led to further diagnostic tests. The definitive diagnostic methods included esophagogram in 15 cases, aortography in 14 cases, two-dimensional echocardiography in one case, and esophagoscopy/bronchoscopy in eight cases. Presenting symptoms were respiratory in 13 cases and feeding difficulties in three; one asymptomatic case was found incidentally. Four cases of air block syndrome were observed as an early and unusual presentation of vascular ring in infants. Hyperinflation of the lung fields on chest x-ray film should spur suspicion of a possible vascular ring. Two case reports are included to demonstrate air block in relation to vascular rings in neonates.

Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates. Chemical pneumonitis can lead to persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) with irreversible hypoxia and death. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for the treatment of severe PPHN became available at the Ochsner Foundation Hospital in September 1983. We reviewed the first 28 cases in which ECMO was used for the treatment of PPHN due to severe MAS; 26 of the 28 infants survived. During the three years preceding our development of ECMO capability, ten neonates had PPHN due to severe MAS and met the criteria for ECMO; only three survived. The difference in survival demonstrates the efficacy of ECMO for the treatment of severe MAS. We believe that when established criteria are met, ECMO should be instituted without delay.