Independent risk factors of acute kidney injury among patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Objective Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most frequent complications in patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors of AKI in patients undergoing ECMO support. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study which included 84 patients treated with ECMO support at intensive care unit in the People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from June 2019 to December 2020. AKI was defined as per the standard definition proposed by the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome (KDIGO). Independent risk factors for AKI were evaluated through multivariable logistic regression analysis with stepwise backward approach. Results Among the 84 adult patients, 53.6% presented AKI within 48 h after initiation of ECMO support. Three independent risk factors of AKI were identified. The final logistic regression model included: left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) before ECMO initiation (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.70–0.90), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score before ECMO initiation (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.16–1.71), and serum lactate at 24 h after ECMO initiation (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.09–1.47). The area under receiver operating characteristics of the model was 0.879. Conclusion Severity of underlying disease, cardiac dysfunction before ECMO initiation and the blood lactate level at 24 h after ECMO initiation were independent risk factors of AKI in patients who received ECMO support.