Survivorship After Cardiogenic Shock

Abstract

Advances in critical care therapies for patients with cardiogenic shock (CS), including temporary mechanical circulatory support and multidisciplinary shock teams, have led to improved survival to hospital discharge, ranging from 60% to 70%. After their index hospitalization, however, survivors of CS may continue to face cardiac as well as extracardiac sequelae of these therapies and complications for years to come. Most studies in CS have focused primarily on survival, with limited data on long-term recovery measures among survivors. In other forms of critical illness, research indicates that many intensive care unit survivors experience impairments in multiple domains, such as cognitive function, physical ability, and mental health. These impairments, collectively referred to as Post–Intensive Care Syndrome, in turn impact survivors’ quality of life and future prognosis. This review identifies unique aspects of CS–related survivorship, highlights lessons learned from other forms of critical illness, and outlines future research directions to determine specific strategies to enhance recovery and survivorship after CS.