• Thomas Standl, Thorsten Annecke, Ingolf Cascorbi, Axel R Heller, Anton Sabashnikov, and Wolfram Teske.
• Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive and Palliative Care Medicine, Städtisches Klinikum Solingen gGmbH; Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne; Institute of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology at the University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel; Surgical Center/Emergency Department, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University; Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiac Center, University Hospital of Cologne; Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Kath. Krankenhaus Hagen gGmbH.
• Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2018 Nov 9; 115 (45): 757768757-768.

BackgroundA severe mismatch between the supply and demand of oxygen is the common feature of all types of shock. We present a newly developed, clinically oriented classification of the various types of shock and their therapeutic implications.MethodsThis review is based on pertinent publications (1990-2018) retrieved by a selective search in PubMed, and on the relevant guidelines and meta-analyses.ResultsThere are only four major categories of shock, each of which is mainly related to one of four organ systems. Hypovolemic shock relates to the blood and fluids compartment while distributive shock relates to the vascular system; cardiogenic shock arises from primary cardiac dysfunction; and obstructive shock arises from a blockage of the circulation. Hypovolemic shock is due to intravascular volume loss and is treated by fluid replacement with balanced crystalloids. Distributive shock, on the other hand, is a state of relative hypovolemia resulting from pathological redistribution of the absolute intravascular volume and is treated with a combination of vasoconstrictors and fluid replacement. Cardiogenic shock is due to inadequate function of the heart, which shall be treated, depending on the situation, with drugs, surgery, or other interventional procedures. In obstructive shock, hypoperfusion due to elevated resistance shall be treated with an immediate life-saving intervention.ConclusionThe new classification is intended to facilitate the goal-driven treatment of shock in both the pre-hospital and the inpatient setting. A uniform treatment strategy should be established for each of the four types of shock.

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