EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF PATIENTS WITH COVID 19 SUBMITTED TO EXTRACORPOREAL MEMBRANE OXYGENATION IN THE PERIOD OF 2020-2022

Abstract

This article presents the epidemiological profile of patients with COVID-19 undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the period 2020-2022. The patients included in the study had severe disease, with acute respiratory failure and refractory hypoxemia. The results demonstrated that the use of ECMO was an important therapeutic strategy in these cases. The study revealed an equitable distribution between genders, with a predominance of patients in the advanced age group. Most patients had severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), refractory to conventional mechanical ventilation, as an indication for ECMO. The clinical evolution of patients undergoing ECMO was complex, but showed a progressive improvement in respiratory parameters and a higher survival rate. However, complications related to the procedure, such as bleeding, infections and multi-organ dysfunction, were also observed, requiring intensive multidisciplinary care. Risk factors associated with unfavorable outcomes were identified, including advanced age, pre-existing comorbidities, severity of respiratory disease, laboratory abnormalities, and need for additional hemodynamic support. The analysis of the temporal variation in the use of ECMO showed a possible correlation with the different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as with the capacity and availability of resources and changes in treatment guidelines. Compared to other respiratory support therapies, ECMO has been shown to be an effective option for patients with severe COVID-19, although proper patient selection and management during ECMO support is critical to optimizing outcomes.