Hair Loss After Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

July 2003 in “ Pediatric Critical Care Medicine ”

Robert Pettignano, Micheal Heard, Michele D. Labuz, Scott Wagoner, James D. Fortenberry

extracorporeal membrane oxygenation hair loss telogen effluvium stressors hair regrowth ECMO TE

TLDR Most patients experience temporary hair loss after ECMO, but it usually grows back within 6 months without treatment.

In a 2003 study, researchers found that out of 9 surveyed patients who had undergone extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), 8 experienced hair loss ranging from less than 10% to more than 50%. This hair loss occurred between 2 weeks and 3 months post-ECMO and lasted from 1 to 6 months. All patients had hair regrowth by 6 months after the initial loss without seeking medical treatment. The study concluded that hair loss after ECMO is likely due to telogen effluvium (TE), a condition caused by various stressors, and is multifactorial but resolves spontaneously. Patients and families should be informed about this potential side effect, and during the period of hair loss, it is advised to avoid vigorous hair care. The prognosis for hair regrowth is excellent, with spontaneous regrowth typically complete within 6 months.

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Research cited in this study

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