Hypoxic respiratory failure in term newborns: clinical indicators for inhaled nitric oxide and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy

Abstract Purpose The criteria for starting extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy in term newborn patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure consist of an oxygenation index (OI) of 25 or higher and alveolar-arterial oxygen (Aa o 2 ) gradient of more than 600 at sea level. In such conditions, inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) may improve oxygenation and reduce the need for ECMO therapy. We studied early changes in OI and Aa o 2 gradients in response to iNO treatment that may indicate a need to continue iNO treatment or the necessity to start an ECMO therapy. Materials and Methods In this prospective study, we used 34 outborn neonatal patients that were referred to our pediatric critical care unit in a children's hospital for ECMO therapy with diagnosis of hypoxemic respiratory failure. In all patients, iNO therapy, starting at 80 ppm, was instituted either during transport or on arrival to hospital. Response to iNO was assessed after 1 hour, at which time, iNO concentration was reduced to 40 ppm, provided there was more than 20% improvement in either or both oxygenation indices. Patients who did not respond positively to continuous iNO therapy and met ECMO criteria were given ECMO therapy. Results Inhaled nitric oxide therapy alone was successful in 10 (29%) of 34 patients. Eighteen patients (53%) required ECMO therapy within the first 10 hours of iNO treatment (early ECMO therapy), whereas 6 other neonates (18%) became eligible for ECMO therapy after prolonged (2-4 days) iNO treatment (late ECMO therapy). No mortality occurred with any treatment. Within 4 hours after iNO therapy, patients who required early ECMO therapy had significantly higher OI and Aa o 2 gradients than patients who were treated with iNO therapy alone ( P Conclusion Persisting levels of OI of more than 20 or Aa o 2 gradients of more than 600 after 4 hours of iNO therapy could be indicative of an immediate need for ECMO therapy.