[Advances in the treatment of cardiogenic shock (author's transl)]

Advances in the conservative treatment of cardiogenic shock have been achieved by a combination of the use of drugs (dopamine, furosemide, prednisolone), artificial ventilation and parenteral nutrition (to avoid a negative energy situation). Basic requisites for such therapy are the continuous monitoring of haemodynamic parameters (pulmonary wedge pressure, cardiac index) and of laboratory results (blood gas analysis, pO2, pCO2, osmolarity, blood glucose level). Assisted circulation (IABP) should be started immediately if it becomes apparent that little or no effect has been achieved by medical treatment. Protection is provided by the IABP for further investigation of the patient by selective coronary angiography and surgical intervention whenever possible.