A Critical Review of Hemodynamically Guided Therapy for Cardiogenic Shock: Old Habits Die Hard

Here, we review the importance of using hemodynamic data to guide therapy and risk stratification in cardiogenic shock as well as the various definitions of this syndrome that have been used in prior studies. Furthermore, we provide perspective regarding the controversy surrounding pulmonary artery (PA) catheter use as well as current society guidelines and scientific statements. Lastly, we review the technical aspects for accurate interpretation of data of cardiogenic shock.

More recent studies specifically evaluating cardiogenic shock patients have shown higher mortality when PA catheters were not used. Furthermore, initiatives are underway to develop more standardized definitions of cardiogenic shock, including the SCAI Shock Classification Scheme. Only by having a standardized fashion of conveying severity of shock will we be able to more systematically study this patient population and improve outcomes moving forward.

PA catheters are critical to the prognostication and management of a subset of patients with cardiopulmonary disease, particularly in those with pulmonary hypertension, cardiogenic shock, or requiring mechanical circulatory support or undergoing evaluation for advanced heart failure therapies.