Adjunct Use of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Achieves Negative Fluid Balance and Enhances Oxygenation Which Improves Survival in Critically Ill Patients without Kidney Failure

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Fluid overload in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients has been associated with increased mortality. Patients receiving ECMO and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) who achieve a negative fluid balance have improved survival. Limited data exist on the use of CRRT solely for fluid management in ECMO patients. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We performed a single-center retrospective review of 19 adult ECMO patients without significant renal dysfunction who received CRRT for fluid management. These patients were compared to a cohort of propensity-matched controls. <b><i>Results:</i></b> After 72 h, the treatment group had a fluid balance of −3840 mL versus + 425 mL (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.05). This lower fluid balance correlated with survival to discharge (odds ratio 2.54, 95% confidence interval 1.10–5.87). Improvement in the ratio of arterial oxygen content to fraction of inspired oxygen was also significantly higher in the CRRT group (102.4 vs. 0.7, <i>p</i> ≤ 0.05). We did not observe any significant difference in renal outcomes. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The use of CRRT for fluid management is effective and, when resulting in negative fluid balance, improves survival in adult ECMO patients without significant renal dysfunction.