Circulatory Changes During Venovenous (VV)- and Venoarterial (VA) Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)

Rationale: Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is a life threatening disease with a high mortality rate. Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) with veno-arterial (V-A) or veno-venous (V-V) cannulation can provide a last treatment option. Differences in circulatory changes between V-A and V-V ECMO concerning the course of PPHN and organ perfusion are not known. Independent of the underlying disease, courses of ECMO runs (with both systems) may differ a lot. Impairment of pulmonary and renal function and oedema is frequently seen. Mechanisms that may play a role are not well understood yet. A better understanding of hemodynamic changes in systemic and pulmonary circulation during treatment of PPHN with ECMO as well as consecutive changes in organ perfusion and function will help to develop more rationalistic treatment strategies to accelerate the recovery to a normal neonatal circulation and shorten ECMO treatment. This will reveal positive effects for patients as well as favourable effects on economic aspects for this very intensive treatment.

Primary objective: I.Evaluation of changes in pulmonary and systemic circulation during VV- ECMO treatment and difference between V-V- and V-A ECMO Secondary objectives:II.Evaluation of changes in cerebral, renal and mesenterial organ perfusion during ECMO treatment and difference between V-V- and V-A ECMO III.Evaluation of hemodynamic changes during ECMO treatment in relation to renal function and difference between V-V- and V-A ECMO IV.Evaluation of BNP as diagnostic parameter regarding fluid homeostasis during ECMO treatment and difference between V-V- and V-A ECMO Study design: observational; including two cohorts. The first cohort consists of a group of patients that have been evaluated in a former study, exclusively treated with V-A ECMO. The second cohort of patients will prospectively include patients receiving V-V as well as V-A ECMO. A study period:2 and a half years. All consecutively admitted patients for ECMO treatment at the department of neonatology of the RUNMC will be evaluated for inclusion into the study. Study population: Inclusion: Newborn infants with gestational age older than 34 weeks and reversible causes of PPHN eligible for ECMO treatment. Exclusion:Newborn infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, other congenital malformations and post-cardiosurgery.