Neurodevelopmental status at age five years of neonates treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

The objective of this study was to determine the neurodevelopmental status at age 5 years among children who received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the newborn period as a treatment for severe cardiorespiratory failure. The rate of major disability was comparable to that in other high-risk populations. The high rate of behavioral problems and increased risk of subsequent school failure among nonretarded ECMO-treated children supports the need for close follow-up of these children after hospital discharge.