COMMENTARY: Cardiogenic Shock — The Role of Revascularization after Failed Thrombolysis

In this issue of the journal, Kunadian et al has reported the outcome of their retrospective study comparing rescue PCI to primary PCI among patients with cardiogenic shock. The study included patients undergoing PCI between 1994 and 2005, with 65 patients with primary PCI and 59 patients with rescue PCI. Patients undergoing rescue PCI had longer door to balloon time (298 minutes versus 130 minutes for PPCI; p < 0.01), and fewer glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors use (20% versus 42%; p = 0.01). Patients undergoing rescue PCI had lower TIMI III flow rate (56% versus 74% with primary PCI; p = 0.04) and higher 1-year mortality (71% versus 49% with primary PCI; p = 0.01). The study also reported one year mortality of above 80% in the event of unsuccessful PCI and mortality of 100% for patients > 70 years of age undergoing rescue PCI as compared to 70% for patients undergoing primary PCI.

This study further enriches our knowledge of acute management of patients with cardiogenic shock complicating acute ST elevation MI. But the small sample size, longer span over 11 years, and retrospective nature remain as important limitations. Nevertheless, the study further proves to us that time is myocardium and time is the key to better survival. Expeditious transfer of these moribund patients to the skilled catheterization laboratory with cardiothoracic surgery backup for primary PCI continues to remain the most definitive way of improving their chances of survival even if it means not meeting the guideline recommendations of 90 minutes of door-to-balloon time. As we have seen in this study, unlike in uncomplicated STEMI where early fibrinolysis is quite effective in successful reperfusion, cardiogenic shock poses a far bigger challenge. Delaying transfer for immediate fibrinolysis and then rescue PCI for failed thrombolysis carries a much higher risk of death even with successful PCI. Two recent studies have also shown that revascularization of an occluded infarct-related artery in the subacute phase (3 to 28 days after infarction) does not improve clinical outcomes (death, MI, or heart failure or ejection fraction), rather there may be a chance for harm.^8,9

In summary, early and prompt recognition of cardiogenic shock or impending cardiogenic shock among patients presenting with acute ST elevation MI is the most crucial step in managing these critically ill patients. Once properly diagnosed, these patients can be immediately transferred to a PCI capable skilled catheterization laboratory for primary PCI. Patients with cardiogenic shock who undergo fibrinolysis or rescue PCI for failed fibrinolysis remain at substantial risk for cardiovascular morbidty and mortality.

References

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