Outcomes of neonates with listeriosis supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation from 1991 to 2017

Background Listeriosis may cause severe disease in fetuses and neonates. The outcomes of critically ill neonates with early-onset listeriosis requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) from 1975 to 1991 have been reported. Objective To update the characteristics and outcomes of neonates with listeriosis supported by ECMO. Study design Retrospective study of neonates with culture-proven listeriosis reported to the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry between 1991 and 2017. Comparisons were made between this cohort and the case series from 1975–1991. Results Twenty-two neonates had culture-proven Listeria monocytogenes infection and required ECMO support. Eight-six percent survived to discharge, compared with 67% in the previous cohort ( p = 0.2). The median ECMO duration was 131 h, compared with 209 h in the previous cohort ( p = 0.1). Nonsurvivors had a significantly lower pre-ECMO pH (6.91 vs 7.31, p = 0.0006). Conclusion The survival of neonates with listeriosis supported with ECMO is high, supporting the use of ECMO as rescue therapy for this condition.