Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use is increasing in the US for acute poisoning.
A retrospective study of the National Poison Data System from 2000 to 2018 identified 407 ECMO cases (332 adults – age > 12 years, 75 pediatric – age < 12 years). Increase in ECMO use were more notable in adult population.
Characteristics
Median age: 27 years (IQR: 15-39)
Male: 52.6%
Single substance exposure: 51.5%
Median number of exposures: 3 (IQR: 2-4)
Overall survival: 70%
Intentional exposure
Age > 12 years: 72.6%
Age < 12 years: 9.3%
Most common class of drug/poison exposure in adults
Sedative/hypnotic: 26%
Antidepressants: 25%
Calcium channel blockers: 19%
Opioids: 17%
Most common class of drug/poison exposure in children
Hydrocarbons: 37%
Antiarrhythmics: 15%
Antihistamine: 8%
Unknown: 8%
Most common states that used ECMO for poisoning
Pennsylvania: 45
Texas: 27
Minnesota: 24
Maryland: 22
Michigan: 20
New York: 20
Conclusion
Increase in EMCO use was most notable in patients with age > 12 years
There was no significant trend in mortality during the study period
