SHOCK-2: SHould we inhibit nitric Oxide synthase in patients with Cardiogenic shocK

Study of:

Cardiogenic shock, or shock resulting from insufficient cardiac output, continues to be the major cause of patients suffering acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Although recent studies testing the effect of early revascularization have shown improvement in outcome, almost half of patients suffering from this complication do not survive their hospital course.

The purpose of this study is to examine the ability of a novel investigational agent to reduce the mortality rate for patients with cardiogenic shock complicating AMI. In Shock-2, a new study drug, L-NMMA, is given to patients with persistent cardiogenic shock that has continued after angiogram. The primary endpoint of the study is mortality reduction at 30 days.

Study participants undergo a five-hour infusion of the study drug or placebo, and follow-up is conducted during patients' hospital stay and by two telephone calls following discharge. Due to the nature of this diagnosis, family members of the patient may give consent for participation.

Durand E. Burns, MD, FACC

For more information about this study or the Acute Coronary Syndrome Research program at the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, please call Betsy Wilson, RN at 612-863-7065.