Treatment outcome of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in critically ill patients with pulmonary TB

<sec><title>OBJECTIVE</title>To assess the effectiveness of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in critically ill patients with pulmonary TB (PTB) and provide evidence for clinical decision-making.</sec><sec><title>METHODS</title>A multicentre retrospective study was conducted across five regional medical centres. Critically ill PTB patients receiving ECMO between May 2018 and May 2024 were included. Baseline characteristics, treatments, and outcomes are epidemiologically summarised.</sec><sec><title>RESULTS</title>Twenty-six patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 41.2 ± 3.6 years; 57.7% were male. The primary reason for receiving ECMO was respiratory failure (80.8%). The overall median duration of hospitalisation, mechanical ventilation, and ECMO support were 26 days (interquartile range [IQR], 16–78), 18 days (IQR, 14–43), and 11 days (IQR, 7–20), respectively. The overall survival rate was 42.0% (11/26). Compared with the non-surviving group, survivors tended to be younger ( P = 0.007). Additionally, severe abnormalities in procalcitonin, activated partial thromboplastin time, and D-dimer levels were significantly associated with mortality ( P < 0.05).</sec><sec><title>CONCLUSION</title>This study found a lower survival rate for ECMO treatment in critically ill patients with PTB. However, it should still be considered a salvage therapy for these patients, especially for younger individuals with fewer comorbidities. It is crucial to closely monitor for complications during treatment.</sec>