Microcirculatory dysfunction in cardiogenic shock
By Hamid Merdji, Bruno Levy, Christian Jung, Can Ince, Martin Siegemund & Ferhat Meziani
Annals of Intensive Care volume 13, Article number: 38 (2023)
This study focuses on the significance of systemic microcirculatory dysfunction in cardiogenic shock (CS), which is characterized by inadequate tissue perfusion due to ineffective cardiac output. While CS has traditionally been understood in terms of macrocirculatory parameters like blood pressure and cardiac output, recent research highlights the importance of microcirculatory abnormalities in driving mortality rates, despite advances in treatment. The term “loss of hemodynamic coherence” is introduced to describe cases where macrocirculatory parameters are restored while microcirculatory dysfunction persists, emphasizing the critical role of microvascular perfusion in clinical outcomes.
Although microcirculatory dysfunction has been extensively studied in conditions like septic shock, there’s a growing need for research specifically focused on CS. Despite limited clinical data on microcirculation-enhancing therapies, understanding microcirculatory dysfunction may lead to improved management of CS in the future.
The study also provides insights into the epidemiology of cardiogenic shock, highlighting its increasing incidence and high mortality rates compared to acute heart failure.
Overall, the study underscores the importance of systemic microcirculatory dysfunction in CS and the need for further research in this area to improve patient outcomes.
Read the full study: https://annalsofintensivecare.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s13613-023-01130-z
