Review of Medical and Developmental Outcome of Neonates Who Received Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-support technique used with neonates in acute respiratory distress. It uses a lung or heart and lung bypass system to oxygenate the blood. Developmental outcome studies have reported morbidity rates between 20 and 25%. Developmental problems were identified in the areas of movement, speech, and cognition. Additional possible complications include growth abnormalities, chronic lung disease, hearing loss, and seizures. Pediatric physical therapists, working in a variety of settings, may intervene with infants who received ECMO. In addition to direct neonatal intervention and consultation, physical therapists can contribute to follow-up evaluations to identify infants who would benefit from early intervention. Children who received ECMO may also be referred to physical therapy at school age for motor incoordination or sensory processing impairment. Finally, physical therapists may play a role in clinical research to document developmental outcome, identify the need for intervention, and determine best treatment practices for children who received ECMO.