LAUSR

BACKGROUND Safety and efficacy data on controlled hypothermia (CH) for neonates with moderate to severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy has been extrapolated to a subgroup of these patients who also require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for refractory persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). However, safety data on the concomitant use of CH and ECMO are lacking. METHODS Single-center retrospective study of neonates ≥35 weeks' gestation with refractory PPHN who required ECMO between 01/2010-12/2020. Study groups were divided into those receiving CH/ECMO versus ECMO only. Baseline characteristics, short-term outcomes, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were compared. RESULTS A total of 36 neonates who received ECMO for refractory PPHN were included. Of these, 44.4% (n=16) received CH/ECMO and 55.6% (n=20) ECMO only. Bleeding complications were more common in CH/ECMO group 50% (n=8) vs ECMO only 15% (n=3, p=0.023). T1 brain magnetic resonance imaging severity scores was higher in CH/ECMO group vs ECMO only group, however there were not statistically different in T2 and DWI scores. Functional status and survival to discharge were comparable between groups. CONCLUSION In our cohort, neonates who received CH/ECMO had higher bleeding complications than ECMO only group with comparable functional status and survival at discharge.