The DCO2 measured by gastric tonometry predicts survival in children receiving extracorporeal life support: Comparison with other hemodynamic and biochemical information

Abstract

Study objective: To assess the role of gastric tonometry in monitoring children receiving extracorporeal life support (ECLS) and to determine if DCO2 or pHi in the weaning phase of ECLS predicts survival. Design: A prospective study of consecutive patients treated with ECLS. Setting: A tertiary pediatric ICU that is the ECLS referral center for Australia. Patients: Twenty consecutive children receiving ECLS for cardiovascular or respiratory failure. Interventions: All children were monitored throughout their ECLS course using a tonometer inserted into the stomach via the orogastric route. The PCO2 in the tonometer balloon was measured every 4 to 6 h and the pHi was calculated using the Hende..