Neurodevelopmental Outcomes after Pediatric Cardiac ECMO Support

Abstract

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was successfully used in children with cardiac disease with 73 and 66% short and long-term survival respectively. Majority of the survivors had normal to mild neurodevelopmental disability and a significant portion showed neurologic improvement by the latest follow-up. Nevertheless, despite the grossly favorable outcomes standardized comprehensive neuropsychological testing is of paramount importance in all these patients.