Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for severe cardiac failure in a pediatric patient with intracranial hemorrhage after spontaneous aneurysmatic rupture

Abstract

Introduction:

Extracorporeal life support in adult patients with extended intracranial hemorrhage is controversial. In pediatric patients, it has traditionally been considered a contraindication as systemic anticoagulation may worsen the hemorrhage and neurological outcome.

Case history:

We present a nine-year-old female patient who was admitted with extended intracranial hemorrhage after spontaneous rupture of an aneurysm. On day four after the emergency craniotomy, she required veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for septic shock. Using an adapted anticoagulation protocol aimed at lower activated partial thromboplastin time target values, we did not observe any new bleeding or clotting complications during systemic anticoagulation and the patient had good neurological recovery.

Conclusion:

Extracorporeal life support with low dose systemic anticoagulation can be considered as a treatment option in pediatric patients after craniotomy for intracranial aneurysmatic hemorrhage.