CRP Apheresis in Infarct-Related Cardiogenic Shock

Cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction remains associated with high short-term mortality despite guideline-directed therapy. Systemic inflammation, particularly elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), may contribute to ongoing myocardial injury and organ dysfunction. The CRP-SHOCK trial is an investigator-initiated, prospective, randomized, open-label, multicenter pilot study evaluating selective CRP apheresis as an adjunct to standard of care in patients with infarct-related cardiogenic shock. Patients are randomized to receive either standard therapy alone or standard therapy plus selective CRP apheresis using the PentraSorb®-CRP system. The primary objective is to assess the effect of CRP apheresis on the CLIP score at 66 ± 8 hours after randomization. Secondary objectives include clinical outcomes, inflammatory biomarkers, and safety endpoints.