Cardiogenic shock

ABSTRACT

Cardiogenic shock is an acute circulatory failure due to compromised myocardial contractility associated with congenital heart diseases and cardiomyopathies, such as myocarditis. In this article, the authors present a 3-step overview of cardiogenic shock diagnosis and management to restore tissue oxygen delivery. The first step is early recognition of nonspecific signs of the shock. The second step is medical management, monitoring, and repeated assessment. In addition to conventional parameters, biomarkers may be useful to monitor the shock. The final step is mechanical circulatory support, such as ventricular assist devices, for children with the refractory shock. We also briefly describe the shock in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children with coronavirus disease 2019.