Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a vital intervention for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), yet its efficacy with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains unknown. This study compared the long-term mortality rates of patients receiving ECMO for COVID-19 with those experiencing other respiratory disease-associated ARDS.

This retrospective cohort study included adults with ARDS receiving ECMO for respiratory disease (COVID-19 and non-COVID-19) based on information collected from the National Health Insurance Service of South Korea from February 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at 6 months and 1 year post-ECMO initiation.

Data from 3094 patients with COVID-19 (N = 1095) and non-COVID-19 respiratory disease-associated ARDS (N = 1999) who received ECMO support were analyzed. Despite a higher Charlson Comorbidity index in the non-COVID group, patients with COVID-19 had higher cumulative mortality rates at 6 months and 1 year post-ECMO initiation compared to those with non-COVID-19 respiratory diseases, after adjusting for confounders. Patients with COVID-19 also experienced longer intensive care unit stays, higher hospitalization costs, longer ECMO and mechanical ventilation durations, and lower intensity coverage.

Patients with COVID-19 requiring ECMO showed higher mortality rates, possibly due to its distinct long-lasting and potentially fatal consequences compared to other respiratory illnesses.