Prognostic factors in lung transplantation after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation bridging therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has recently emerged as a critical support system for lung function in patients awaiting lung transplantation. This meta-analysis investigates the prognostic factors of lung transplantation following ECMO bridging therapy.

METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest databases from inception to August 11, 2023. Included were cohort or case-control studies focusing on prognostic factors of lung transplantation with ECMO bridging therapy. Data extraction was performed independently, and study quality was assessed. A meta-analysis was carried out using RevMan 5.4 and Stata17.0 software to aggregate mortality rates and pertinent prognostic factors of ECMO as a bridge to lung transplantation.

RESULTS: The search identified eight trials encompassing 1,086 participants. The prognosis of patients undergoing lung transplantation with ECMO bridging was significantly associated with several factors: prolonged ECMO support [odds ratio 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-1.12, I2 =77%], deterioration in liver and kidney function (odds ratio 3.62, 95% CI: 2.37-5.54, I2 =0%), and complications during ECMO (odds ratio 2.24, 95% CI: 1.45-3.44, I2 =5%).

CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged ECMO support, declining liver and kidney functions, and complications during ECMO are vital prognostic factors in lung transplantation following ECMO bridging therapy.