The impact of extracorporeal life support and hypothermia on drug disposition in critically ill infants and children

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2012 Oct;59(5):1183-204. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2012.07.013. Epub 2012 Aug 29.

Abstract

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support is an established lifesaving therapy for potentially reversible respiratory or cardiac failure. In 10% of all pediatric patients receiving ECMO, ECMO therapy is initiated during or after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Therapeutic hypothermia is frequently used in children after cardiac arrest, despite the lack of randomized controlled trials that show its efficacy. Hypothermia is frequently used in children and neonates during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). By combining data from pharmacokinetic studies in children on ECMO and CPB and during hypothermia, this review elucidates the possible effects of hypothermia during ECMO on drug disposition.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
  • Child
  • Critical Illness
  • Drug Monitoring
  • Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation* / methods
  • Humans
  • Hypothermia, Induced* / methods
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Life Support Care / methods*
  • Pharmacokinetics*