Bleeding complications, coagulation disorders, and their management in acute myocardial infarction-related cardiogenic shock rescued by veno-arterial ECMO: A retrospective cohort study

Purpose Management of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients on venoarterial-extracorporeal membrane (VA-ECMO) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is challenging. Our objective was to describe the frequency, management and outcomes of severe bleeding complications and determine their occurrence risk factors. Material and methods We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study including post-AMI cardiogenic shock patients requiring VA-ECMO. Severe bleeding was defined based on the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium classification. We calculated multivariable Fine–Gray models to assess factors associated with risk of severe bleeding. Results From January 2015 to July 2019, 176 patients received VA-ECMO after AMI and 132 patients were included. Sixty-five (49%) patients died. Severe bleeding occurred in 39% of cases. Severe thrombocytopenia (< 50 G/L) and hypofibrinogenemia (<1,5 g/L) occurred in respectively 31% and 19% of patients. DAPT was stopped in 32% of patients with a 6% rate of stent thrombosis. Anticoagulation was stopped in 39% of patients. Using a multivariate competing risk model, female sex, time on ECMO, troponin at admission and Impella® implantation were independently associated with severe bleeding. Conclusions Bleeding complications and coagulation disorders were frequent and severe in patients on VA-ECMO after AMI, leading of antiplatelet therapy withdrawal in one third of patients.