Clinician Perspectives on the Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Decision-Making Process

March 23, 2026 No Comments

This qualitative study explores how clinicians determine candidacy for venovenous ECMO in severe respiratory failure. Interviews with 24 clinicians across 9 countries revealed that decisions rely heavily on subjective judgment rather than standardized criteria. Factors such as age, BMI, ventilator duration, social context, and institutional resources vary widely in interpretation. Cognitive biases and ethical considerations further influence decisions, leading to inconsistent and potentially inequitable allocation of this life-saving but resource-intensive therapy.

Hemolysis and Kidney Injury Risk After Cardiac Surgery

Hemolysis and Acute Kidney Injury Following Cardiac Surgery With Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Patients With Preexisting Renal Dysfunction

March 23, 2026 No Comments

This study examines whether hemolysis, measured by cell-free hemoglobin (CFHb), predicts acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery in patients with preexisting renal dysfunction. Among 89 patients, 21% developed AKI. Although hemolysis and endothelial damage increased postoperatively, CFHb did not independently predict AKI or improve predictive models, suggesting limited clinical utility as a biomarker.