# Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for systemic lupus erythematosus: An ELSO registry analysis

## TL;DR

This study examines the effectiveness of ECMO in treating systemic lupus erythematosus, finding a 54% survival rate to hospital discharge.

## Contribution

The study provides the largest analysis of ECMO outcomes in SLE patients, identifying survival rates and risk factors.

## Key findings

- 198 out of 416 patients (54%) with SLE survived to hospital discharge using ECMO.
- Pediatric and adult survival rates were 52% and 47%, respectively.
- ECMO is a viable life-support strategy for both pediatric and adult SLE patients.

## Abstract

The success of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in treating Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and the risk factors associated with mortality remain uncertain.

Methods: We describe the survival outcomes at discharge of the largest SLE cohort on ECMO support. We performed a retrospective cohort study of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry database from 2012 to 2022. Pediatric and adult survivor groups were analyzed using descriptive statistics for the primary study outcome of survival to hospital discharge. Risk predictors for survival were determined by logistic regression.

Results: We included 48 children and 368 adults with SLE. Overall, 198 patients (54%) survived to hospital discharge, with a survival of 52% and 47% of pediatric and adult patients, respectively.

Conclusion: We conclude that ECMO can be considered a life supporting strategy in pediatric and adult SLE patients.