Cardiogenic shock management: Still a challenge and a need for large-registry data

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is defined as organ hypoperfusion secondary to impaired cardiac output. CS criteria have been well codified since the SHOCK study [1], combining systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg for > 30 minutes or the need for vasopressors to maintain systolic blood pressure > 90 mmHg; pulmonary congestion or increased left ventricular pressures; and organ malperfusion signs (impaired consciousness or confusion, cold extremities or marbling, oliguria and increased serum lactate). Beyond the clinical signs, assessment of cardiac output and left ventricular filling pressures with transthoracic echocardiography or right catheterization is needed [2,3].