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Perfusion NewswireCOVID-19COVID-19 and ECMO: An Unhappy Marriage of Endothelial Dysfunction and Hemostatic Derangements

COVID-19 and ECMO: An Unhappy Marriage of Endothelial Dysfunction and Hemostatic Derangements

COVID-19, ECMO Zone, Perfusion Devices, Perfusion Zone, Tiny Perfusion Letter

Severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 is responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which may lead to acute respiratory failure. In its most severe manifestation including refractory hypoxemia and/or hypercapnia, it can require escalation to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Rates of thromboembolic complications are elevated in COVID-19 patients despite deployment of thromboprophylaxis.

Among the sickest COVID-19 patients requiring ECMO, much less is known regarding hemostatic derangements, as well as the resulting risk profile for the development of both thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications. Thus, defining the ideal pharmacologic anticoagulant approach (agent, intensity, monitoring) for these critically ill patients remains a challenge. A recent case series by Usman et al. highlighted safety issues encountered in a cohort of 10 COVID-19 patients cannulated for venovenous ECMO (VV-ECMO) and subsequently anticoagulated with unfractionated heparin (three patients) or argatroban (one patient).

Of these, Usman et al. reported hemorrhagic strokes in four patients despite modest activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) reflective of typical levels of anticoagulation for maintenance of mechanical support (mean aPTT without stroke 41.8 seconds v 52.8 seconds with stroke, p = 0.09) and, in all affected individuals, platelet counts greater than 130,000 per µL with fibrinogen counts >250 mg/dL. Similarly, systolic blood pressures appeared largely within normal limits preceding the diagnosis of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). ICH in COVID-19 previously has been reported with a yet-to-be determined incidence or underlying etiology.

The high cerebrovascular event rate seen by Usman et al. exceeded the incidence previously reported in non–COVID-19 ECMO patients, suggestive of unique aspects in this population that elevate the risk of this dreaded complication.
Given the authors’ positive experience with regard to the routine use of TEG in COVID-19 patients receiving VV-ECMO therapy, they support Usman et al. in their call for the integration of viscoelastic testing as a routine practice in these patients. It is the authors’ perspective that it is through the integration of diagnostic assessment of viscoelastic testing with dedicated management schemes, up to and including the titration of antifibrinolytic therapies, that unmasks the capacity of this technology to enhance clinical outcomes. In addition, the authors encourage further research leveraging direct thrombin inhibitors during ECMO given its effective and predictable anticoagulation performance, as well as the high incidence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in these patients. Additionally, ideally, prospective studies examining the incidence and risk factors for the manifestation of hyperfibrinolysis, as well as the ideal anticoagulation and monitoring strategy as it relates to COVID-19 patients on ECMO, will be needed to define best practice approaches for this challenging population.

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