Publication Date

3-2025

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Abstract

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-saving intervention commonly used in pediatric and neonatal intensive care; however, it presents unique challenges for maintaining patient mobility. Early mobility contributes to better long-term outcomes. Existing mobility scales by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) are limited to patients aged 8 years and older, leaving a gap for younger populations. This study aimed to develop and validate mobility scales specifically for infants (< 2 years) and children aged 2-8 years undergoing ECMO therapy. Through a collaborative effort involving pediatric ECMO specialists, physicians, and critical care nurses, we adapted ELSO’s mobility criteria to be developmentally appropriate for these younger age groups. For infants, mobility benchmarks include passive and active limb movements, head control, and supported sitting. The criteria for children aged 2-8 is expanded to include sitting, supported standing, and age-appropriate gross motor activities. This scale provides graded levels of mobility that accommodate ECMO-specific safety considerations, allowing practitioners to chart interventions according to each child’s developmental and physiological capacity. The resulting scales are being pilot-tested at our large ECMO center, with data showing preliminary effectiveness at capturing the degree of mobility achieved during ECMO runs. This mobility scale fills a critical need by providing structured charting guidelines for mobilizing infants and young children on ECMO, promoting functional recovery and potential improvements in long-term developmental outcomes. Further studies are recommended to establish consistency across institutions and confirm the scale's impact on mobility outcomes in pediatric ECMO patients.

Disciplines

Critical Care | Pediatrics

Notes

Presented at the 41st Annual ECMO and the Advanced Therapies for Respiratory Failure Symposium; Keystone, Colorado; March 2-5, 2025.

Development of Mobility Scales for Infants and Children on ECMO

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