ECMO ECMO in Neonatal and Pediatric Populations 3

Question 1

Which blood gas parameter is primarily controlled by adjusting the sweep gas flow rate in pediatric VV-ECMO?

Accepted Answer

PaCO2

Answer

Increasing sweep gas flow enhances CO2 removal across the oxygenator membrane, directly lowering PaCO2 and raising pH.

Question 2

In VA-ECMO, 'differential hypoxia' (also called North-South syndrome) refers to:

Accepted Answer

Upper body hypoxia from native cardiac output while lower body receives oxygenated ECMO return

Answer

In VA-ECMO, the failing native heart may eject deoxygenated blood into the ascending aorta while ECMO return enters the descending aorta, causing the upper body to be hypoxic.

Question 3

The primary goal of ECMO support in pediatric myocarditis is:

Accepted Answer

Bridging to myocardial recovery or cardiac transplantation

Answer

Myocarditis can cause fulminant cardiac failure, and ECMO provides hemodynamic support while awaiting spontaneous recovery or listing for transplantation.

Question 4

The typical ECMO blood flow rate target in neonates to achieve adequate oxygen delivery is approximately:

Accepted Answer

100–150 mL/kg/min

Answer

Neonatal ECMO flows of 100–150 mL/kg/min provide sufficient cardiac output equivalent to support systemic oxygen delivery in the normal range.

Question 5

To reduce intracranial pressure risk in neonates on ECMO, the recommended head and body positioning is:

Accepted Answer

Head of bed elevated 30° with head in midline position

Answer

30° head-of-bed elevation with midline neck positioning promotes cerebral venous drainage and reduces ICP without compromising ECMO cannula function.

ECMO - Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Practice Test

ECMO - Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Practice Test

ECMO ECMO in Neonatal and Pediatric Populations 3