Journal of cardiac failure
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Thyroid hormone level abnormalities commonly exist in severe heart failure and may be of prognostic value. The therapeutic potential of using thyroid hormone for cardiogenic shock resulting from progressive heart failure has not been previously delineated. We sought to evaluate the role of an intravenous infusion of thyroxine as an adjunct to conventional inotropic agents and intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in patients with severe heart failure with cardiogenic shock. ⋯ The beneficial hemodynamic properties of intravenous thyroid hormone can be effectively used in otherwise terminal situations of cardiogenic shock, and in such situations, the use of thyroid hormone can serve as a pharmacological adjunct to a definite surgical intervention. Further studies in larger numbers of patients might be warranted to confirm these findings.