Treatment Of Cardiogenic Shock Research Articles

Cardiac power output ratio: Novel survival predictor after percutaneous ventricular assist device in cardiogenic shock.

Currently, there is limited data on prognostic indicators after insertion of percutaneous ventricular assist device (PVAD) in the treatment of cardiogenic shock (CS). This study evaluated the prognostic role of cardiac power output (CPO) ratio, defined as CPO at 24h divided by early CPO (30min to 2h), in CS patients after PVAD. Consecutive CS patients from the QEH-PVAD Registry were followed up for survival at 90days after PVAD. Among 121 consecutive patients, 98 underwent right heart catheterization after PVAD, with CPO ratio available in 68 patients. The CPO ratio and 24-h CPO, but not the early CPO post PVAD, were significantly associated with 90-day survival, with corresponding area under curve in ROC analysis of 0.816, 0.740, and 0.469, respectively. In multivariate analysis, only the CPO ratio and lactate level at 24h remained as independent survival predictors. The CPO ratio was not associated with age, sex, and body size. Patients with lower CPO ratio had significantly lower coronary perfusion pressure, worse right heart indices, and higher pulmonary vascular resistance. A lower CPO ratio was also significantly associated with mechanical ventilation and higher creatine kinase levels in myocardial infarction patients. In post-PVAD patients, the CPO ratio outperformed the absolute CPO values and other haemodynamic metrics in predicting survival at 90days. Such a proportional change of CPO over time, likely reflecting native heart function recovery, may help to guide management of CS patients post-PVAD.

ICU management of cardiogenic shock before mechanical support.

Treatment of cardiogenic shock remains largely driven by expert consensus due to limited evidence from randomized controlled trials. In this review, we aim to summarize the approach to the management of patients with cardiogenic shock in the ICU prior to mechanical circulatory support (MCS). Main topics covered in this article include diagnosis, monitoring, initial management and key aspects of pharmacological therapy in the ICU for patients with cardiogenic shock. Despite efforts to improve therapy, short-term mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock is still reaching 40-50%. Early recognition and treatment of cardiogenic shock are crucial, including early revascularization of the culprit lesion with possible staged revascularization in acute myocardial infarction (AMI)-CS. Optimal volume management and vasoactive drugs titrated to restore arterial pressure and perfusion are the cornerstone of cardiogenic shock therapy. The choice of vasoactive drugs depends on the underlying cause and phenotype of cardiogenic shock. Their use should be limited to the shortest duration and lowest possible dose. According to recent observational evidence, assessment of the complete hemodynamic profile with a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) was associated with improved outcomes and should be considered early in patients not responding to initial therapy or with unclear shock. A multidisciplinary shock team should be involved early in order to identify potential candidates for temporary and/or durable MCS.

What to Know About Mechanical Circulatory Support in the Treatment of Cardiogenic Shock

What to Know About Mechanical Circulatory Support in the Treatment of Cardiogenic Shock

Pacemaker Channels and the Chronotropic Response in Health and Disease

Loss or dysregulation of the normally precise control of heart rate via the autonomic nervous system plays a critical role during the development and progression of cardiovascular disease—including ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias. While the clinical significance of regulating changes in heart rate, known as the chronotropic effect, is undeniable, the mechanisms controlling these changes remain not fully understood. Heart rate acceleration and deceleration are mediated by increasing or decreasing the spontaneous firing rate of pacemaker cells in the sinoatrial node. During the transition from rest to activity, sympathetic neurons stimulate these cells by activating β-adrenergic receptors and increasing intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate. The same signal transduction pathway is targeted by positive chronotropic drugs such as norepinephrine and dobutamine, which are used in the treatment of cardiogenic shock and severe heart failure. The cyclic adenosine monophosphate–sensitive hyperpolarization–activated current (I f ) in pacemaker cells is passed by hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channels and is critical for generating the autonomous heartbeat. In addition, this current has been suggested to play a central role in the chronotropic effect. Recent studies demonstrate that cyclic adenosine monophosphate–dependent regulation of HCN4 (hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channel isoform 4) acts to stabilize the heart rate, particularly during rapid rate transitions induced by the autonomic nervous system. The mechanism is based on creating a balance between firing and recently discovered nonfiring pacemaker cells in the sinoatrial node. In this way, hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channels may protect the heart from sinoatrial node dysfunction, secondary arrhythmia of the atria, and potentially fatal tachyarrhythmia of the ventricles. Here, we review the latest findings on sinoatrial node automaticity and discuss the physiological and pathophysiological role of HCN pacemaker channels in the chronotropic response and beyond.

Gender differences in cardiogenic shock: characteristics and prognosis

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Hospital Clinico San Carlos. Background Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a life-threatening condition caused by severe heart dysfunction. While significant advances have been made in the management and treatment of cardiogenic shock, there is growing recognition of the importance of considering gender-specific differences in the presentation and outcomes of this condition. Recent research highlights gender-related variations in how the condition is presented, managed, and its outcomes. Understanding these differences is crucial for tailored and effective treatment. Our goal is to identify potential gender differences in terms of the characteristics and prognosis of CS. Methods From 2013 to 2023, 142 consecutive patients diagnosed with CS in and admitted to an Acute Cardiac Care Unit in a tertiary care hospital were recruited. Demographic, clinical, and analytical variables were retrospectively collected. Patient were followed-up to November-2023 and clinical events were also recorded. For purposes of analysis, patients were classified in woman (N=95) and men (N=47). Success, in terms of IABP use, was defined as patient’s survival to the index event. Failure of IABP was defined as in-hospital death. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify potential predictors of success. A descriptive analysis of clinical, analytical, and demographic parameters was performed in both groups, followed by a survival curve analysis to assess differences in prognosis between both sexes. Results Mean age was 67.3±12.2 years and 67.0% were females. There were no significant differences in cardiovascular risk factor and comorbidities between groups: hypertension (61.2% vs 38.8%, p 0.077), diabetes (65.9% vs 34.1%, p 0.866), chronic kidney disease (75% vs 25%, p 0.465), previous stroke (61.5% vs 38.5%, p 0.666) in woman vs men group respectively. STEMI was the most frequent cause of CS requiring an IABP in men (33.7%) but NSTEMI was in women (67.7%). Regarding the CS classification, both groups had a similar distribution of the severity and complexity of the shock (Figure 1). There were also no differences in hemodynamic parameters, analytical results, complete revascularization, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) between men and women (Figure 1). There were also no differences in hemodynamic parameters, analytical results, complete revascularization, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) between men and women (Figure 1). The complications, mortality (Figure 2), and long-term mortality were also similar in both groups. Conclusions In our observational study, there were no differences between genders in terms of characteristics, shock complexity, and prognosis.

An association between early rescue left heart unloading during VA-ECMO treatment and prognosis of cardiogenic shock; the post-hoc study of the EARLY-UNLOAD trial

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Background/introduction Recently published studies showed prophylactic left heart unloading does not improve mortality in cardiogenic shock (CS) treated with venoatrial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). However, significant proportion of patients on VA-ECMO treatment for CS require early rescue left heart unloading. Purpose To compare characteristics and prognosis according to rescue-unloading timing in patients with CS treated with VA-ECMO. Methods This study is a post-hoc analysis of the EARLY-UNLOAD trial (NCT04775472), the trial evaluated an impact of an early prophylactic unloading strategy using left atrial cannulation (LAC) within 12 hours from the initiation of VA-ECMO treatment. This analysis was performed per-protocol basis for patients without violation (N = 108). Patients were classified into four groups according to timing of left heart unloading: prophylactic (<12h, N = 53), early rescue (<30h, N = 16), late rescue (>30h, N= 10), and no unloading (N = 29). The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality, and secondary endpoint was 30-day all-cause death. Logistic regression was used to search factors related to the primary endpoint. Results Among patients in the conservative strategy arm, rescue unloading was performed in 47% of patients, and 29% of patients received left heart unloading within 30 hours. Median time from ECMO pump on to rescue unloading was 23 hours. Compared to other groups, the early rescue group had the highest initial arterial lactate level (6.2 vs 11.4 vs 4.3 vs 6.3 mmol/L, prophylactic, early rescue, late rescue, and no unloading, respectively, P = 0.011) and SAPS2 score at baseline (52.7 vs 68.2 vs 50.6 vs 55.7, P = 0.017). Inotropes requirement on day 1 was also highest in the group (vasoactive-inotropic score, 12.4 vs 31.2 vs 7.5 vs 13.8, P = 0.014). The early rescue unloading group showed the highest in-hospital mortality (Figure 1, 87.5%, P = 0.004) and 30-day mortality (75%, P = 0.029). Survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test showed significant difference of probability of all cause death at 30 days among these 4 groups (Figure 2, P by log-rank test = 0.049). In the logistic regression models for in-hospital mortality, rescue unloading within 30 hours was associated with increased odds ratio (OR) for in-hospital mortality (OR = 6.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.31-35.92.15, P = 0.022). Conclusions In this post-hoc analysis of the EARLY-UNLOAD trial, early-rescue unloading within 30 hours was associated with increased in-hospital mortality in patient treated with VA-ECMO for CS.

Impact of early administration of beta-blocker and RAS inhibitor during VA-ECMO treatment for cardiogenic shock; the post-hoc study of the EARLY-UNLOAD trial

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Background/introduction No data about timing and impact of beta-blocker (BB) or renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor (RASi) administration for cardiogenic shock (CS) treated with venoatrial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). Purpose To analyze an impact of early administration of BB or RASi during VA-ECMO treatment. Methods This study is a post-hoc analysis of the EARLY-UNLOAD trial (NCT04775472), the trial evaluated an impact of an early prophylactic unloading strategy using left atrial cannulation (LAC) performed within 12 hours from the initiation of VA-ECMO treatment for CS. Among total population (N=116), patients whose lactate was normalized during VA-ECMO and survived more than 2 days were included in this analysis (N=103). Patients were classified whether each medication (BB, RASi or one of BB or RASi) was administered during VA-ECMO or not. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Survival analysis for a primary outcome and landmark analysis for all-cause mortality during different periods (<10 days, 10 to 30 days) were performed. Results BB, RASi, and BB or RASi were administered in 71.8%, 72.8%, and 83.5% of patients, respectively, during VA-ECMO treatment. In early treatment groups, Both BB and RASi were initiated on day 1 (as median). Duration of VA-ECMO treatment was longer in a group who treated with BB during VA-ECMO (8.5 days, vs 5.0 days as median, P = 0.003), and for RASi, it was comparable (8.0 days vs 7.0 days, P = 0.609). Incidence of 30-day all-cause mortality at were statistically comparable between groups (figure 1). The results of survival analysis are described in the figure 2. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, BB, RASi, and BB or RASi during VA-ECMO treatment was not associated with lower probability of 30-day all-cause mortality. Landmark analysis, however, showed lower probability of 10-day mortality in the group treated with BB (P by log-rank test = 0.045), RASi (P = 0.008) and BB or RASi (P=0.005) during VA-ECMO. Multivariate Cox proportional modellings also provided lower risk of 10-day all-cause mortality in groups with BB treatment (Hazard ratio [HR] = 0.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.10-0.69, P = 0.007), RASi treatment (HR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.08-0.56, P = 0.001) or BB or RASi (HR = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.05-0.41, P < 0.001) during VA-ECMO. RASi (HR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.22-0.97, P = 0.041) or BB or RASi (HR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.15-0.93, P = 0.038) treatment during VA-ECMO was also associated with lower risk of 30-day all-cause mortality. Conclusions In this post-hoc analysis of the EARLY-UNLOAD trial, administration of BB or RASi during VA-ECMO treatment for CS was associated with lower risk of short-term mortality.

Acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock in Ukraine: multicentre registry analysis 2021-2022.

Data on the results and management strategies in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS) in the Low and Lower-Middle Income Countries (LLMICs) are limited. This lack of understanding of the situation partially hinders the development of effective cardiogenic shock treatment programs in this part of the world. The Ukrainian Multicentre Cardiogenic Shock Registry was analyzed, covering patient data from 2021 to 2022 in 6 major Ukrainian reperfusion centres from different parts of the country. Analysis was focusing on outcomes, therapeutic modalities and mortality predictors in AMI-CS patients. We analyzed data from 221 consecutive patients with CS from 6 hospitals across Ukraine. The causes of CS were ST-elevated myocardial infarction (85.1%), non-ST-elevated myocardial infarction (5.9%), decompensated chronic heart failure (7.7%) and arrhythmia (1.3%), with a total in-hospital mortality rate for CS of 57.1%. The prevalence of CS was 6.3% of all AMI with reperfusion rate of 90.5% for AMI-CS. In 23.5% of cases, CS developed in the hospital after admission. Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) utilization was 19.9% using intra-aortic balloon pump alone. Left main stem occlusion, reperfusion deterioration, Charlson Comorbidity Index >4, and cardiac arrest were found to be independent predictors for hospital mortality in AMI-СS. Despite the wide adoption of primary percutaneous coronary intervention as the main reperfusion strategy for AMI, СS remains a significant problem in LLMICs, associated with high in-hospital mortality. There is an unmet need for the development and implementation of a nationwide protocol for CS management and the creation of reference CS centers based on the country-wide reperfusion network, equipped with modern technologies for MCS.

Successful treatment of cardiogenic shock due to Takotsubo syndrome with implantation of a temporary microaxial left ventricular assist device in transaxillary approach

ObjectivesCardiogenic shock (CS) can occur in patients with Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). As TTS has received increasing attention and has been more closely researched, several aspects of the pathogenesis have been identified, particularly that an excessive release of catecholamines plays an important role. Nevertheless, evidence on specific therapy concepts is still lacking. As a result, TTS with severe hemodynamic instability and low cardiac output creates unique challenges, and mechanical circulatory support is needed with as few inotropic drugs as possible.MethodsWe present a 77-year-old female patient who underwent minimally invasive surgical mitral valve replacement. After an uneventful course, the patient developed acute heart failure eleven days after surgery. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed a new onset of TTS. The patient needed left ventricular venting and full haemodynamic flow. We successfully implanted a microaxial left ventricular assist device (Impella 5.5) using the transaxillary approach. The haemodynamic situation stabilised immediately. The patient was weaned and the Impella 5.5 was explanted after five days.ConclusionWe present the first-in-man implantation of a transaxillary Impella 5.5 in a patient with TTS. The patient benefitted from Impella 5.5 therapy with full haemodynamic support and venting of the left ventricle.

Dobutamine versus milrinone use in acute myocardial infarction related cardiogenic shock

Abstract Introduction Even though dobutamine and milrinone are both commonly used in the treatment of cardiogenic shock (CS), there is little evidence guiding the selection of inotrope. Even in the randomized DOREMI trial, in which both drugs were compared in the setting of cardiogenic shock, no significant differences were found in any of the outcomes. As a result, the choice of inotrope is left to the discretion of the treating physician. Purpose In this real world data study, we aimed to retrospectively identify patient-, treatment- and outcome characteristics of patients treated with either dobutamine or milrinone in the context of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by CS. Methods In the Netherlands, baseline, procedural and outcome data on patients undergoing PCI are prospectively registered within the Netherlands Heart Registration (NHR). Additionally, all patients with CS undergoing PCI were included in a CS registry by fourteen Dutch hospitals between 2017 and 2021. Patients were classified into groups based on the administration of either dobutamine or milrinone, initiated in the first 24 hours after PCI. Patients who received both were excluded from further analyses. Results A total of 2328 consecutive CS patients were included of whom 503 (22%) and 267 (12%) patients received dobutamine and milrinone respectively. At baseline, patients in the dobutamine group had higher eGFR (60.7 vs. 56.7 ml/min, p=0.016) and had a lower BMI (26.7 vs. 27.7 kg/m2, p=0.009). At presentation, the dobutamine group had a significantly lower heart rate (82.7 vs. 96.1 beats/minute, p<0.001) and presented more frequently with STEMI (86.1% vs. 73.4%). After PCI, administration of dobutamine was less often accompanied by noradrenaline (79.8% vs. 91.0%, p<0.001). Notably, the milrinone group had an increase in lactate after PCI more often (19.3% vs. 36.7%, <0.001), however it cannot be determined if the choice of drug was either influenced by the increase in lactate or if the lactate increased as a result of the initiation of the drug. Also, patients in the dobutamine group were less often intubated (53.3% vs. 64.4%, p=0.004) and less frequently supported by mechanical circulatory devices (32.8% vs. 41.2%, p=0.025). Lastly, 30-day mortality was significantly lower in the dobutamine group (41.7% vs. 50.8%, unadjusted p=0.020). Conclusions In this Dutch cohort of CS patients undergoing PCI, treatment and outcomes differed greatly between patient categories receiving either dobutamine or milrinone, most possibly due to differences in baseline characteristics. Importantly, patients treated with milrinone were sicker as was reflected by increase of lactate, higher heart rates at admission and higher rates of support by noradrenaline and mechanical devices. Therefore, in current practice, physicians seem to choose milrinone in more severe stages of shock. The results of this study demonstrate the need for implementation studies of available evidence.Kaplan Meier dobutamine vs. milrinoneTable dobutamine vs. milrinone

MCS current practice and weaning: CCCTN survey of CICU directors at academic medical centers

Abstract Background/Introduction As the treatment of cardiogenic shock evolves, temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) use is increasing. Few studies have examined Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) practices for management and weaning of MCS. Purpose We aimed to describe current management and weaning practices for patients supported with an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) or Impella in CICUs. Methods During December 2022, a 45-question survey was electronically distributed by the Critical Care Cardiology Trials Network (CCCTN) to the CICU directors of 44 academic medical centers in North America. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the results. Results A response rate of 84% was achieved. Among respondents, CICU bed capacity ranged from 8-32 (Mean of 17). Staffing was primarily by cardiologists without board certification in heart failure or critical care (38%). One-in-four centers reported staffing by a multi-disciplinary team consisting of cardiologists and intensivists. Most centers use heparin anticoagulation for both IABP (32, 87%) and Impella (32, 91%) and primarily used PTT to monitor anticoagulation (23, 62%) with a target of 50-70 seconds (27, 73%). While using Impella support, daily TTE (29%), plasma free hemoglobin measurements (34%) and prophylactic antibiotics (3%) were uncommon. Most institutions did not have a formal weaning protocol for IABP (78%) or Impella (66%). The majority of centers reported IABP weaning to be a subjective decision led by the CICU attending (65%), while Impella weaning was commonly a decision made by a multi-disciplinary team including the CICU attending (57%). PACs are used routinely when weaning Impella (83%) but not IABP (46%). IABP removal is most commonly done at bedside by CICU team (70%), whereas Impella removal is most commonly done in the catheterization laboratory (43%). Conclusions In this survey of academic CICUs, IABP and Impella management showed substantial variability across centers. Use of invasive hemodynamic monitoring was common but its use during weaning was not uniform. Multidisciplinary involvement was more common with Impella support and weaning when compared to IABP. These heterogeneous results highlight the need for further investigation to guide best practices in MCS management.

Treatment of cardiogenic shock due to right ventricular involvement

The right ventricle is susceptible to changes in preload, afterload, and contractility. The answer is its dilation with dysfunction/acute failure; filling is limited to the left ventricle and cardiac output. Systemic venous congestion is retrograde to the right heart, it is involved in the genesis of cardiogenic shock due to right ventricle involvement. This form of shock is less well known than that which occurs due to left ventricular failure, therefore, treatment may differ. Once the primary treatment has been carried out, since no response is obtained, supportive treatment aimed at ventricular pathophysiology will be the next option. It is suggested to evaluate the preload for the reasoned indication of liquids, diuretics or even ultrafiltration. Restore or maintain heart rate and sinus rhythm, treat symptomatic bradycardia, arrhythmias that make patients unstable, use of temporary pacing or cardioversion procedures. Improving contractility and vasomotility, using vasopressors and inotropes, alone or in combination, the objective will be to improve right coronary perfusion pressure. Balance the effect of drugs and maneuvers on preload and/or afterload, such as mechanical ventilation, atrial septostomy and pulmonary vasodilators. And the increasing utility of mechanical support of the circulation that has become a useful tool to preserve/restore right heart function.

Complications in patients with cardiogenic shock on veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy: distribution and relevance. Results from an international, multicentre cohort study.

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy (VA-ECMO) restores circulation and tissue oxygenation in cardiogenic shock (CS) patients, but can also lead to complications. This study aimed to quantify VA-ECMO complications and analyse their association with overall survival as well as favourable neurological outcome (cerebral performance categories 1 + 2). All-comer patients with CS treated with VA-ECMO were retrospectively enrolled from 16 centres in four countries (2005-2019). Neurological, bleeding, and ischaemic adverse events (AEs) were considered. From these, typical VA-ECMO complications were identified and analysed separately as device-related complications. n = 501. Overall, 118 were women (24%), median age was 56.0 years, median lactate was 8.1 mmol/L. Acute myocardial infarction caused CS in 289 patients (58%). Thirty-days mortality was 40% (198/501 patients). At least one device-related complication occurred in 252/486 (52%) patients, neurological AEs in 108/469 (23%), bleeding in 192/480 (40%), ischaemic AEs in 123/478 (26%). The 22% of patients with the most AEs accounted for 50% of all AEs. All types of AEs were associated with a worse prognosis. Aside from neurological ones, all AEs and device-related complications were more likely to occur in women; although prediction of AEs outside of neurological AEs was generally poor. Therapy and device-related complications occur in half of all patients treated with VA-ECMO and are associated with a worse prognosis. They accumulate in some patients, especially in women. Aside from neurological events, identification of patients at risk is difficult, highlighting the need to establish additional quantitative markers of complication risk to guide VA-ECMO treatment in CS.

Shock Teams: A Contemporary Review.

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a time-sensitive and often fatal condition. To address this issue, many centers have developed multidisciplinary shock teams with a common goal of expediting the recognition and treatment of CS. In this review, we examine the mission, structure, implementation, and outcomes reported by these early shock teams. To date, there have been four observational shock team analyses, each providing unique insight into the utility of the shock team. The limitedavailable data supports that shock teams are associated with improved CS mortality. However, there is considerable operational heterogeneity among shock teams, and randomized data assessing their value and best practices in both local and regional care models are needed.

Outcome of Patients Managed by Percutaneous Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation During On-Hours and Off-Hours.

Percutaneous left ventricular assist devices (pVADs) may be used in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) to stabilize hemodynamics and maintain sufficient end-organ perfusion. Vascular complications are commonly observed in patients with pVAD support. We aimed to assess the relationship between pVAD implantation time and access-site complication rates. This retrospective observational study included all patients who underwent pVAD insertion for the treatment of CS at our university hospital between 2014 and 2021 (n = 224). Depending on the pVAD insertion time, the patients were assigned to the on-hours (n = 120) or off-hours group (n = 104). Both groups had comparable baseline characteristics and comorbidities. The rate of access-site-related complications was higher in the off-hours group than in the on-hours group (26% vs. 10%, p = 0.002). Premature discontinuation of pVAD support to prevent limb ischemia or manage access-site bleeding was required more often in the off-hours group than in the on-hours group (14% vs. 5%, p = 0.016). Pre-existing peripheral artery disease and implantation time off-hours were independent predictors for access-siterelated vascular complications. In conclusion, patients with CS in whom pVAD was inserted during off-hours had higher rates of access-site-related complications and premature discontinuation of pVAD support than those in whom pVAD was inserted during on-hours.

Outcomes of Patients Transferred to Tertiary Care Centers for Treatment of Cardiogenic Shock: A Cardiogenic Shock Working Group Analysis

BackgroundConsensus recommendations for cardiogenic shock (CS) advise transfer of patients in need of advanced options beyond the capability of ‘spoke’ centers to tertiary/ ‘hub’ centers with higher capabilities. However, outcomes associated with such transfers are largely unknown, beyond those reported in individual health networks. ObjectivesTo analyze a contemporary, multicenter CS cohort with an aim to compare characteristics and outcomes of patients between transfer (between spoke and hub center) and non-transfer cohorts (those primarily admitted to a hub center), for both acute myocardial infarction (AMI-CS) and heart failure related (HF-CS) shock. We also aim to identify clinical characteristics of the transfer cohort that are associated with in-hospital mortality. MethodsThe Cardiogenic Shock Working Group (CSWG) registry is a national, multicenter, prospective registry including high volume (mostly hub) CS centers. Fifteen U.S. sites contributed data for this analysis from 2016–2020. ResultsOf 1890 consecutive CS patients enrolled into the CSWG registry, 1028 (54.4%) patients were transferred. Of these, 528 (58.1%) had heart failure related CS (HF-CS) and 381 (41.9%) had CS related to acute myocardial infarction (AMI-CS). Upon arrival to the CSWG site, transfer patients were more likely to be in SCAI stage C and D, when compared to non-transfer patients. Transfer patients had higher mortality (37% vs. 29%, <0.001) than non-transfer patients with the differences primarily driven by the HF-CS cohort. Logistic regression identified increasing age, mechanical ventilation, renal replacement therapy, and higher number of vasoactive drugs prior to, or within 24 hours after CSWG site transfer as independent predictors of mortality among HF-CS patients. Conversely, pulmonary artery catheter use prior to transfer, or within 24 hours of arrival was associated with decreased mortality. Among transfer AMI-CS patients BMI>28 kg/m2, worsening renal failure, lactate>3 mg/dl and increasing number of vasoactive drugs were associated with increased mortality. ConclusionMore than half of CS patients managed at high volume CS centers were transferred from another hospital. Although transfer patients had higher mortality than those who were primarily admitted to hub centers, outcomes and their predictors varied significantly when classified by HF-CS versus AMI-CS.

Cardiac sarcoidosis preceded by sick sinus syndrome presenting as biventricular involvement and intracardiac giant thrombus: a case report

Abstract Background Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disorder characterized by the formation of non-necrotizing granulomas in various organs. Cardiac sarcoidosis presents with various clinical, anatomical, and electrophysiological manifestations. As cardiac involvement is related to adverse outcomes, the early diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis is crucial and sometimes challenging. Case summary A 65-year-old woman was initially treated for sick sinus syndrome (SSS) with normal cardiac function. Cardiac conduction defects and biventricular dysfunction continued to progress over a short clinical course, and the patient was eventually referred to our hospital for further investigation and treatment of cardiogenic shock due to pacemaker pacing failure. An echocardiography revealed a large thrombus formation in the right ventricle and atrium. An urgent thrombectomy was performed, and myocardial biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis. Steroid pulse therapy was initiated and was effective in treating the cardiogenic shock. One year after discharge, the patient manifested with sustained ventricular tachycardia and ultimately died of severe cardiac pump failure. On autopsy, diffuse fibrotic tissues were noted in both ventricles and atria. Discussion While conduction abnormalities, such as right bundle brunch block and atrioventricular block, are common clinical manifestations, SSS is rarely reported as a primary manifestation of cardiac sarcoidosis. Thus, clinicians should ensure that sufficient investigations are carried out when diagnosing idiopathic SSS.

Milrinone vs Dobutamine for the Management of Cardiogenic Shock: Implications of Renal Function and Injury

BackgroundCardiogenic shock is associated with poor clinical outcomes. There is a paucity of prospective data examining the efficacy and safety of inotropic therapy in patients with cardiogenic shock and renal dysfunction. ObjectivesThis study sought to examine the treatment effect of milrinone compared to dobutamine in relation to renal function. MethodsIn this post hoc analysis of the DOREMI (Milrinone as Compared with Dobutamine in the Treatment of Cardiogenic Shock) trial, we examined clinical outcomes with milrinone compared to dobutamine after stratification based on baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and acute kidney injury (AKI). The primary outcome was the composite of in-hospital death from any cause, resuscitated cardiac arrest, receipt of a cardiac transplant or mechanical circulatory support, nonfatal myocardial infarction, transient ischemic attack or stroke, or initiation of renal replacement therapy. ResultsBaseline eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and AKI were observed in 78 (45%) and 124 (65%) of patients, respectively. The primary outcome and death from any cause occurred in 99 (52%) and 76 (40%) patients, respectively. eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 did not appear to modulate the treatment effect of milrinone compared to dobutamine. In contrast, there was a significant interaction between the treatment effect of milrinone compared to dobutamine and AKI with respect to the primary outcome (P interaction = 0.02) and death (P interaction = 0.04). The interaction was characterized by lower risk of primary outcome and death with milrinone compared to dobutamine in patients without, but not with, AKI. ConclusionsIn patients requiring inotropic support for cardiogenic shock, baseline renal dysfunction and AKI are common. A modulating effect of AKI on the relative efficacy of milrinone compared to dobutamine was observed, characterized by attenuation of a potential clinical benefit with milrinone compared to dobutamine in patients who develop AKI.

Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cardiogenic Shock in Chinese Medicine and Research

Cardiogenic shock belongs to a group of acute and critical illnesses in cardiovascular medicine with a high mortality rate and poor prognosis. Traditional Chinese medicine, as the crystallization of traditional wisdom of Chinese medicine, has made certain progress in the treatment of cardiogenic shock and in improving the prognosis of such patients. This article reviews the latest research results and related reports on the treatment of cardiogenic shock in Chinese medicine, intending to provide front-line clinical workers with treatment ideas and references.

The Right Time for Certification

The Right Time for Certification