TYK228
Low SvO2 during ECMO may be caused by:
a) Anemia
b) Left to right shunt via patent foramen ovale
c) Low cardiac output/inadequate pump flow
d) A and C
e) All of the above
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Answer
Answer d. Low SvO2 on ECMO is caused by similar causes as in the patient not on mechanical support – generally anemia, and low cardiac output. Left to right shunt would increase SvO2. Note that most ECMO pumps have a continuous SvO2 measurement that guides therapy.
Notes
- This question originally printed in the Pediatric Anesthesiology Review Topics kindle book series, and appears courtesy of Naerthwyn Press, LLC.