Dynamic Coagulofibrinolytic Responses Under Long-term VV-ECMO Management Without Anticoagulation in a COVID-19-ARDS Patient: A Case Report

Rationale: Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is recommended for the treatment of critically ill patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, ECMO management can cause both bleeding and thrombotic complications. There are insufficient coagulofibrinolytic data for appropriate ECMO management in patients with COVID-19.

Patient Concerns: A 48-year-old man with severe COVID-19-acute respiratory distress syndrome underwent long-term venovenous ECMO management for 48 days. Refractory oronasal bleeding developed on day 13, so the administration of unfractionated heparin was ceased for 29 days.

Diagnosis: The patient showed dynamic coagulofibrinolytic responses associated with ECMO management, as shown by fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products, soluble fibrin, thrombin-antithrombin complex, and plasmin-α2-plasmin inhibitor complex elevations, suggesting the development of ECMO-induced coagulopathy.

Interventions: We assessed coagulofibrinolytic markers to decide the appropriate timing for controlling excessive activation of coagulation by exchanging ECMO circuits. Moreover, viscoelastic hemostatic assays were used for adequate transfusion of blood products.

Outcomes: Safe long-term ECMO management was completed, which was withdrawn on day 48. The patient was weaned off mechanical ventilation on day 57 and was transferred to another hospital for rehabilitation.

Lessons: Monitoring the coagulofibrinolytic status using markers and viscoelastic hemostatic assays may be effective for safe long-term ECMO management even without anticoagulant therapy.