Ultrasound monitoring the renal blood flow during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Objective To investigate the utilization of ultrasound monitoring the renal blood flow during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Methods Twentry one cases , who received vein-artery ECMO for heart failure, were examinated by bed-side ultrasound before the ECMO initiated, right after the ECMO initiated, each day after the ECMO initiated, and right after the ECMO weaned. The renal interlobar artery peak velocity (Vmax) was measured, and the renal interlobar artery resistant index (RI) was calculated, as well as the values of the serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were recorded. All the data were compared. Results Compared to the variables right after the ECMO initiated, the Vmax increased (P<0.05) two days after ECMO initiated and right after the ECMO weaned, while RI (P<0.05), SCr (P<0.05) and BUN (P<0.05) decreased, there being significant differences (P<0.05). Conclusions While treating patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, the ultrasound can monitoring the renal blood flow effectively, and provide important parameters for the clinical doctors as the basis of the diagnosis and treatment. Key words: Ultrasonography; Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; Renal circulation