Trends in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment from 2005 to 2018 in South Korea

Abstract

Introduction:

This study aimed to investigate trends in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment during 2005–2018 and examine factors associated with in-hospital mortality.

Methods:

We conducted a population-based cohort study based on health records obtained from the National Health Insurance Service database in South Korea. All adult patients (⩾18 years old) who received ECMO treatment in the intensive care unit after hospitalization from 2005 to 2018 were enrolled.

Results:

We analyzed data for 21,129 adult ECMO patients from 128 hospitals. The prevalence of ECMO treatment gradually and continuously increased from 4 per 100,000 individuals (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3–4) in 2005 to 67.4 per 100,000 individuals (95% CI: 65–68) in 2018. There was a significant increase in ECMO treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or respiratory failure (from 2.5% during 2005–2008 to 14.5% during 2016–2018). The overall in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates of the patients were 48.4% and 53.5%, respectively. The in-hospital mortality rate was highest among patients with shock (62.1%) and lowest among ECMO patients with liver failure (21.6%). On multivariable logistic regression, a higher hospital case volume was associated with improvement in in-hospital mortality (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

In South Korea, the prevalence of ECMO treatment has increased gradually and continuously between 2005 and 2018. There was a significant increase in the prevalence of ECMO treatment for ARDS or respiratory failure. Our results support that ECMO treatment indications have been expanding, and ECMO will become vital for treating critically ill patients in the future.