Abstract 15293: Predictive Value of Thyroid Hormone Levels in Patients Suffering From Cardiogenic Shock Complicating Acute Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Hypothesis: Introduction. Acute critically ill patients experience a rapid decline in plasma free thyroid hormone levels (free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free levothyroxine (FT4)), with a marked elevation of reverse T3, recognized as the euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS) or low-T3 syndrome. The ESS is also often associated with depressed myocardial function, sometimes referred to as the 'stunned myocardium. The role of thyroid hormone levels in patients with cardiogenic shock complicated myocardial infarction has not been shown Methods: The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of thyroid hormone levels on hospital mortality in patients with infarction related cardiogenic shock. Thyroid hormone levels were measured from routine blood specimens and analyzed initial and up to 96 hours. Results: We identified 40 patients with infarction related cardiogenic shock treated at our university hospital. Majority of the CS-patients had on admission reduced TSH levels of 1,42 ± 0,22mU/l. Nevertheless, in-hospital mortality rate was higher in patients with lower admission TSH levels and levels over time. In addition, FT3 in CS-survivors showed a flat slope from normal levels. Non-survivor had a trend towards lower levels after 72 and 96 hours. When we analyzed for low T3 syndrome (i.e. FT3 >3,1pmol/l) we saw a 3x times higher mortality rate compared to CS patients with normal levels. In contrast, FT4 levels of non survivors were significantly elevated compared to surviving CS patients. After 96 hours both groups had similar levels. Predictors of hospital death in CS patients were low TSH levels, low T3 syndrome and elevated FT4. Conclusions: Thyroid hormone level on admission and over time (i.e. low TSH, low T3 and elevated FT4) are predictors of in-hospital death in patients with infarction related cardiogenic shock. Interestingly TSH stays almost stable over time whereas FT3 and FT4 declines over time. Further studies have to show if administration of thyroid hormone might be beneficial in patients with infarction related cardiogenic shock.