ASAIO journal : a peer-reviewed journal of the American Society for Artificial Internal Organs
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Multicenter Study
Antimicrobial prophylaxis and infection surveillance in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients: a multi-institutional survey of practice patterns.
The goal of this study was to characterize antimicrobial prophylaxis and infection surveillance practices at centers treating patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). A 37-question web-based survey was sent to all ECMO coordinators and directors at Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) participating centers. Data were reported by center. ⋯ There is significant variation in the antibiotic choices and duration of prophylaxis, regardless of whether the center has a protocol or not. Almost half of centers (49%, 64/132) perform routine surveillance cultures but at variable intervals. There is significant heterogeneity in antibiotic prophylaxis and infection surveillance practice patterns among ELSO centers.