ECMO ECMO in Neonatal and Pediatric Populations 2

Question 1

Why is the right common carotid artery preferred over femoral access for arterial cannulation in neonatal VA-ECMO?

Accepted Answer

It provides direct retrograde perfusion to the aortic arch without lower limb ischemia risk

Answer

It has a larger diameter than femoral vessels in neonates

Answer

It allows higher ECMO flow rates

Answer

It is easier to repair after decannulation

Question 2

Which complication is most feared in premature neonates on ECMO and contributes to its status as a relative contraindication in this population?

Accepted Answer

Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH)

Answer

Sepsis from circuit exposure

Answer

Renal failure from pump-related hemolysis

Answer

Hypoglycemia from glucose consumption

Question 3

The ELSO (Extracorporeal Life Support Organization) registry reports the highest survival rates among which ECMO patient group?

Accepted Answer

Neonatal respiratory ECMO

Answer

Neonatal cardiac ECMO

Answer

Pediatric cardiac ECMO

Answer

Adult respiratory ECMO

Question 4

What platelet count is typically targeted in pediatric ECMO patients to reduce bleeding risk without compromising circuit function?

Accepted Answer

>100,000/μL

Answer

>50,000/μL

Answer

>80,000/μL

Answer

>150,000/μL

Question 5

In pediatric ECMO for cardiac support, the most common underlying diagnosis requiring support is:

Accepted Answer

Post-cardiac surgery congenital heart disease

Answer

Myocarditis

Answer

Dilated cardiomyopathy

Answer

Long QT syndrome with refractory arrhythmia

Question 6

Which scoring tool based on ELSO registry data is used to estimate survival probability in neonates on ECMO?

Accepted Answer

Neonatal ECMO Predicted Survival Score

Answer

APACHE II

Answer

PRISM III

Answer

SOFA score