ToolsCalculators
SAVE (Survival after Veno-Arterial ECMO) Score
Predicts in-hospital survival before starting VA-ECMO for refractory cardiogenic shock.
SAVE (Survival after Veno-Arterial ECMO) Score
Age
Weight
Cause of cardiogenic shock
Chronic renal failure
Pre-ECMO HCO3 ≤15 mmol/L
Duration of mechanical ventilation before ECMO
Peak inspiratory pressure ≤20 cmH2O
Pre-ECMO cardiac arrest
Pre-ECMO diastolic BP ≥40 mmHg
Pre-ECMO pulse pressure ≤20 mmHg
Acute liver failure pre-ECMO
CNS dysfunction pre-ECMO
Result-1 points (Class III)
Approximate in-hospital survival: 42 %.
- Predicted in-hospital survival
- 42 %
When to use
- Estimating survival likelihood before or shortly after cannulation for refractory cardiogenic shock on VA-ECMO.
Formula
Weighted sum of 12 pre-ECMO variables (age, weight, etiology, renal function, ventilation duration, respiratory mechanics, haemodynamics, organ dysfunction) minus a constant of 6. Class I (>5) 75% survival down to Class V (≤-10) 18% survival.
Pearls and pitfalls
- Derived from the international Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) registry; should complement, not replace, bedside judgement on ECMO candidacy.