Cardiogenic Shock in the Septic Patient: Early Identification and Evidence-Based Management

Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am. 2018 Sep;30(3):379-387. doi: 10.1016/j.cnc.2018.05.006. Epub 2018 Jul 13.

Abstract

Sepsis-induced cardiogenic shock is a lethal condition and the management of it is challenging. Cardiogenic shock in the septic patient involves myocardial systolic and diastolic dysfunction. The limited ability of the ventricles to contract effectively results in a decrease in oxygen delivery to the organs and tissues. Supportive therapy is provided to patients with sepsis and no specific drug can reverse the myocardial dysfunction. Rapid diagnosis, prompt antibiotic therapy, cautious protocol-driven fluid resuscitation and vasoactive agents, control of infectious source, and expeditious coronary artery revascularization is recommended to achieve a positive outcome.

Keywords: Cardiogenic shock; Myocardial dysfunction; Sepsis; Sepsis and heart failure.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cardiovascular Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Critical Care Nursing
  • Early Diagnosis*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine*
  • Fluid Therapy / methods
  • Humans
  • Sepsis / drug therapy*
  • Shock, Cardiogenic / diagnosis*
  • Shock, Cardiogenic / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Cardiovascular Agents