ECMO ECMO in Neonatal and Pediatric Populations

Question 1

What is the minimum gestational age generally accepted as a criterion for neonatal ECMO candidacy?

Accepted Answer

34 weeks

Answer

30 weeks

Answer

32 weeks

Answer

36 weeks

Question 2

What is the most common indication for ECMO in neonates in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS)

Answer

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH)

Answer

Group B Streptococcal sepsis

Answer

Congenital heart disease

Question 3

Which ECMO configuration is most commonly used in neonates requiring support?

Accepted Answer

Veno-arterial (VA) ECMO via neck vessels

Answer

Veno-venous (VV) ECMO via double-lumen cannula

Answer

Peripheral femoral VA-ECMO

Answer

Central open-chest ECMO

Question 4

The oxygenation index (OI) threshold commonly used to consider ECMO in neonates is:

Accepted Answer

>40

Answer

>20

Answer

>30

Answer

>60

Question 5

What minimum body weight is typically required for neonatal ECMO candidacy at most US centers?

Accepted Answer

2.0 kg

Answer

1.5 kg

Answer

2.5 kg

Answer

3.0 kg

Question 6

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) patients typically require longer ECMO runs than MAS patients because:

Accepted Answer

CDH lungs have structural hypoplasia that cannot reverse quickly

Answer

CDH involves more severe cardiac malformations

Answer

CDH patients are always premature

Answer

CDH requires surgical repair before ECMO can be initiated