8: Outcomes of Obese Patients Supported with ECMO due to SARS-Cov-2 Induced ARDS

Background: Prevalence of obese patients is increasing worldwide (1). Obesity is associated with multiple comorbidities, what might lead to more severe ICU course in case of critical illness. The aim of our study was to evaluate outcomes of morbidly obese patients supported with ECMO due to Covid-19 induced ARDS in our institution. Methods: Retrospective, single center, Regional Bioethics Committee approved study (reference number 158200-16-850-259). All consecutive COVID-19 patients, supported with ECMO from January 2020 to January 2022 were evaluated. Data were collected from medical records including demographic characteristics, specific treatment options and patient outcomes. Data of patients with morbid obesity (body mass index ≥ 40 kg/m2) were compared with data of non-obese patients (BMI <30). Patients were followed for up 6 months after hospital discharge. The primary endpoint was survival to hospital discharge and at 6 month follow up. Results: In total 54 patients were supported with VV ECMO due to SARS-Cov-2 induced respiratory failure. Thirty patients (56%) were obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2), 16 (30%) were morbidly obese (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2). The mean BMI in morbidly obese patients was 44.3 ± 4.6 kg/m2, mean weight 132.7 ± 21.8 kg, in non-obese group – 26.7 ± 1.9 kg/m2 and 85.4 ± 10.6 kg respectively. Eight out of 16 (50%) morbidly obese patients survived to hospital discharge and were alive at 6 months follow-up compared to 7 out of 24 (29,1%) non-obese patients (p=0,182). Conclusion: Survival of patients supported with ECMO due to respiratory failure was not significantly lower in morbidly obese patients compared to the non-obese patient population