ECMO 101 for Registered Dietitians

When working in critical care settings as a registered dietitian, you may provide care for patients on ECMO (ExtraCorporeal Membrane Oxygenation). ECMO adds some additional complexity to the clinical picture and the RD is an essential team member to ensure adequate nutrition is provided during this time. Join Stacy MS, RDN, LDN, CNSC as she shares the foundational knowledge needed to work with patients on ECMO including what ECMO is, considerations for parenteral nutrition, calorie + protein need ranges, and related nutrient deficiencies. References: Dresen E, Naidoo O, Hill A, et al. Medical nutrition therapy in patients receiving ECMO: Evidence-based guidance for clinical practice. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2023;47(2):220-235. doi:10.1002/jpen.2467 Pelekhaty S, Gessler J, Baer D, et al. Malnutrition in adult patients treated with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A descriptive cohort study. JTCVS Open. 2024;22:38-46. Published 2024 Oct 16. doi:10.1016/j.xjon.2024.09.029 Pelekhaty SL, Rector RP, Wu ZJ, et al. ECMO patient energy requirements: A descriptive, retrospective cohort study. Nutr Clin Pract. Published online June 8, 2025. doi:10.1002/ncp.11330 Pelekhaty SL, Peiffer M, Leibowitz JL, Tabatabai A. High protein intake and nitrogen balance in patients receiving venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A descriptive cohort study. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2024;48(2):199-205. doi:10.1002/jpen.2596