Setiadi H, El Banayosy AM, Koerner MM, et al. - Researchers examined the predictive value of oncostatin M (OSM), a novel biomarker for inflammation (a member of the IL-6 family), for outcomes in patients with acute pulmonary failure requiring V-V ECMO. Blood samples were obtained from 29 V-V ECMO patients, precannulation, postcannulation (on days 1-3), and then every other day until decannulation. Prior to V-V ECMO, 18 of the 29 patients had plasma OSM release, consistent with a highly activated inflammatory state. Among these 18 patients, 7 died and 11 eventually recovered. Findings support the predictive value of plasma release of OSM, but not of lactic acid levels, for mortality in these patients whereas.