Changes in the levels of beta-thromboglobulin and inflammatory mediators during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support

Abstract Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been associated with platelet dysfunction, but no markers of platelet dysfunction during ECMO have been identified. We investigated the potential uses of beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG) and platelet factor 4 (PF4) as markers of platelet activation induced by ECMO in vivo. 13 patients who received ECMO for acute respiratory failure were included. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the associations between days on ECMO and the plasma levels of beta-TG and PF4 and of proinflammatory markers. Analyses were performed before ECMO (baseline) and 24, 48, 72 and 168 hours after the commencement of ECMO. The plasma levels of biomolecules were measured by ELISA and Luminex assay.Percentages of platelets varied widely without statistical significance (p = 0.17). Beta-TG levels significantly decreased over the first 72 hours (p