The addition of Cytosorb in patients on VA-ECMO improves urinary output and ICU survival.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to analyze the efficiency of CytoSorb adsorber in patients presenting with cardiogenic shock and treated with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO).

METHODS: Sixteen patients put on VA ECMO due to cardiogenic shock were included, stratified according to the use of Cytosorb adsorber in the first 24 h and compared across different clinical outcomes.

RESULTS: Significantly lower vasopressor doses were required among patients treated with Cytosorb at the initiation and before weaning from ECMO. Furthermore, these patients showed significantly higher urine output before weaning and lower lactate levels during the extracorporeal support. Finally, the mortality rate was lower among the Cytosorb therapy group (22.2% vs 57.1%).

CONCLUSION: While a decrease in vasopressor doses was already associated with CytoSorb use, this is the first study showing an increase in urinary output and a trend towards better survival among patients on VA ECMO treated with CytoSorb.