cTnT Values Research Articles

Elevated serum miR-133a predicts patients at risk of periprocedural myocardial injury after elective percutaneous coronary intervention.

BackgroundPeriprocedural myocardial injury (PMI) is a frequent complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) associated with poor prognosis. However, no effective method has been found to identify patients at risk of PMI before the procedure. MicroRNA-133a (miR-133a) has been reported as a novel biomarker in various cardiovascular diseases. Herein, it was sought to determine whether circulating miR-133a could predict PMI before the procedure.MethodsEighty patients with negative preoperative values of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) receiving elective PCI for stable coronary artery disease (CAD) were recruited. Venous serum samples were collected on admission and within 16–24 hours post-PCI for miRNA measurements. PMI was defined as a cTnT value above the 99% upper reference limit after the procedure. The association between miR-133a and PMI was further assessed.ResultsPeriprocedural myocardial injury occurred in 48 patients. The circulating level of miR-133a was significantly higher in patients with PMI before and after the procedure (both p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of the preoperative miR-133a level revealed an area under the curve of 0.891, with a sensitivity of 93.8% and a specificity of 71.9% to predict PMI. Additionally, a decrease was found in fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) in parallel with an increase in miR-133a levels in patients with PMI.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates for the first time that serum miR-133a can be used as a novel biomarker for early identification of stable CAD patients at risk of PMI undergoing elective PCI. The miR-133a-FGFR1 axis may be involved in the pathogenesis of PMI.

Metabolites Concentration in Plasma and Heart Tissue in Relation to High Sensitive Cardiac Troponin T Level in Septic Shock Pigs.

Elevated circulating cardiac troponin T (cTnT) is frequent in septic shock patients. Signs of myocardial ischemia and myocyte necrosis are not universally present, but the precise mechanism for elevated cTnT is unknown. We investigated plasma and heart tissue metabolites concentration in six septic shock (SS) and three sham swine undergoing a protocol of polymicrobial septic shock and resuscitation, in order to highlight possible pathways and biomarkers involved in troponin release (high sensitive cardiac troponin T, hs-cTnT). The animals were divided into two groups: the high cTnT group (n = 3) were pigs showing a significantly higher concentration of cTnT and lactate after resuscitation; the low cTnT group (n = 6, three sham and three septic shock) characterized by a lower value of cTnT and a lactate level < 2 mmol/L. Spearman correlation was assessed on plasma fold-change of cTnT, cytokines (TNF-α and IL-10), and metabolites. Finally, the fold-change between the end of resuscitation and baseline values (Res./BL) of plasma metabolites was used to perform a partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) with three latent variables. Before building the model, the number of features was reduced by summing up the metabolites of the same class that resulted similarly correlated to cTnT fold-change. Proline and glycine were significantly higher in the high cTnT group at the end of experiment both in the myocardium and plasma analyses. Moreover, plasma proline fold-change was found to be positively correlated with cTnT and cytokine fold-changes, and trans-4-hydroxyproline (t4-OH-Pro) fold-change was positively correlated with cTnT fold-change. The PLS-DA model was able to separate the two groups and, among the first ranked features based on VIP score, we found sugars, t4-OH-Pro, proline, creatinine, total amount of sphingomyelins, and glycine. Proline, t4-OH-Pro, and glycine are very abundant in collagen, and our results may suggest that collagen degradation could represent a possible mechanism contributing to septic myocardial injury. The common phenotype of septic cardiomyopathy could be associated to dysregulated collagen metabolism and/or degradation, further exacerbated by higher inflammation and oxidative stress.

Age-specific reference values for the 5th generation cardiac troponin T assay in Chinese children.

The clinical use of the cardiac troponin T (cTnT) assay was limited to the adult population in the diagnosis and prognosis of myocardial injury. However, emerging studies indicated its significant value in the assessment of pediatric cardiology, and it has been routinely measured in most hospitals. Our study investigated the normative values of cTnT in Chinese children and reported the age-specific 99th percentile cut-off for them.A total of 1280 apparently healthy Chinese children were enrolled in our study. Serum levels of cTnT were analyzed on the Roche Elecsys Troponin T Gen 5 STAT assay. According to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute C28-A3 guideline, the 99th percentile upper reference limits (URLs) with 90% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated in different age subgroups.The 99th percentile URL was 38 (90%CI: 37.0-51.0) ng/L for 1 to <4months old, 26 (90%CI: 25.2-28.5) ng/L for 4 to ≤ 12months old, and 12 (90%CI: 11.1-12.9) ng/L for 1 to 18 years old, respectively. For subjects aged from 1 to 18years, boys had slightly higher cTnT levels than girls (P = .003), while our assay could not measure low cTnT concentrations (≥the limit of detection) in 50% girls.Our study provided age-specific URLs of cTnT for Chinese children, with the 5th generation cTnT assay from Roche Diagnostics. It had significant clinical implications in the interpretation and use of test results for pediatric cardiology.

Mechanisms for Cardiac Troponin Increase in Arterial Hypertension

Despite the fact that cardiac troponins (cTnI and cTnT) are cardiospecific, they can be elevated in many systemic and non-cardiac physiological and pathological conditions. The diagnostic value of cTnI and cTnT significantly depends on the method of their determination. Thus, previously used low- and moderate-sensitivity immunoassays detected only serious myocardial damage and did not determine troponins in patients suffering from certain chronic pathologies. High-sensitivity troponin assays can detect minor damage to cardiac muscle cells in many pathological conditions, and troponin levels have a high predictive value. Among the early pathological conditions requiring the attention of clinicians is arterial hypertension (AH), which is also accompanied by an increase in the levels of hsTn in serum and urine. Currently, mechanisms responsible for increased levels of cardiac troponins in the blood serum and urine in hypertension are not well covered in the scientific literature. This article discusses in detail the presumptive mechanisms that cause increased levels of cTnI and cTnT in AH.

Troponin T in COVID-19 hospitalized patients: kinetics matter

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to overwhelm healthcare systems worldwide, due to high numbers of critical cases over a short period of time (1,2). Elevated cardiac troponin (cTn), suggestive for myocardial damage, was associated with increased mortality of COVID-19 patients (3,4). However, data addressing the role of cTn in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in COVID-19 patients is scarce.ObjectivesWe aimed to assess the role of baseline cTnT and cTnT kinetics in the prediction of MACE and in - hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, we assessed the association between cTnT kinetics and the need of cardiac imaging evaluation.Methods310 patients were included prospectively (age 64.6±16.7 years, 180 (58.1%) males), between March 2020 and April 2020. Clinical data including demographics,medical history,comorbidities,clinical evaluation,laboratory exams,in-hospital treatment,complications and outcomes were collected at admission and during hospitalization by physicians in charge. Two hundred and two patients (65.1%) with at least two cTnT values assessed during hospitalization, at 24–48 hours interval were included in the final analysis. cTnT-values >0.011 micrograms/L were considered elevated, according to hospital laboratory cut-offs. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to cTnT kinetics profile: 1 – variable, 2 – descending and 3 – constant. cTnT slope was defined as the ratio of the cTnT change and the change in time. MACE were considered as the primary endpoint and were composed by all-cause mortality, acute heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, pericarditis, myocarditis, atrial fibrillation or flutter and pulmonary embolism. In-hospital mortality was considered as the secondary endpoint.ResultsMean hospitalization was 13.9±0.9 days. MACE occurred in 60 patients (29.7%) and in-hospital mortality in 40 (19.8%) patients. Baseline cTnT independently predicted MACE, (p=0.047, HR 1.805, 95% CI 1.009–3.231) and in-hospital mortality (p=0.009, HR 2.322, 95% CI 1.234–4.369) (Figure 1A, 1B). An increased cTnT slope independently predicted in-hospital mortality (p=0.041, HR 1.006, 95% CI 1.000–1.011). Constant cTnT was associated with lower MACE and mortality rates (p=0,000, HR 3.080, 95% CI, 1.914–4.954, p=0.000, HR 2.851. 95% CI 1.828–4.447, respectively) (Figure 1C, 1D, 2). Cardiac imaging evaluation was performed in 8 (16%) patients with constant cTnT, 30 (60%) with variable cTnT, and 12 (24%) with descending cTnT.(p<0.001)ConclusionsIncreased baseline cTnT independently predicted MACE and in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients. The magnitude of cTnT increase over time was associated with in-hospital mortality. On the contrary, patients with constant cTnT had lower MACE and in-hospital mortality rates. These finding emphasize the additional role of cTnT testing in COVID-19 patients for risk stratification and improved diagnostic pathway and managementFunding AcknowledgementType of funding sources: None. Figure 1. Kaplan Meier for MACE and mortalityFigure 2. Troponin kinetics as MACE predictors

Effects of Danhong Injection () on Peri-Procedural Myocardial Injury and Microcirculatory Resistance in Patients with Unstable Angina Undergoing Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Pilot Randomized Study.

To evaluate the effect of Danhong Injection (, DH) on the index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) and myocardial injury in patients with unstable angina undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Seventy-eight patients with unstable angina were randomly divided into DH group (39 cases) and the control group (39 cases) during elective PCI. Randomization was performed using a random-number table. The DH group received DH at a dosage of 40 mL (mixed with 250 mL saline, covered by a light-proof bag, intravenous drip) during PCI and daily for 7 consecutive days, while the control group only received the same dosage of saline. Both groups received standardized treatment. The IMR and fractional flow reserve (FFR) were measured at maximal hyperemia before and after PCI. Myocardial markers, including myoglobin, creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), and coronary troponin T (cTnT) values were measured at baseline and 24 h after PCI. Among the 78 patients enrolled, the baseline and procedural characteristics were similar between the two groups. There was no significant difference in pre-PCI myocardial markers and coronary physiological indexes between the two groups. However, post-PCI CK and CK-MB levels in the DH group were significantly lower than those in the control group (111.97 ± 80.97 vs. 165.47 ± 102.99, P=0.013; 13.08 ± 6.90 vs. 19.75 ± 15.49, P=0.016). Post-PCI myoglobin and cTNT-positive tend to be lower in the DH group than in the control group but did not reach statistical significance (88.07 ± 52.36 vs. 108.13 ± 90.94, P=0.52; 2.56% vs.7.69%, P=0.065). Compared with the control group, the post-IMR levels of the DH group tended to decrease, but there was no statistical difference (20.73 ± 13.15 vs. 26.37 ± 12.31, P=0.05). There were no statistical differences in post-FFR in both groups. The peri-procedural myocardial injury of the DH group was significantly lower than that of the control group (2.56% vs. 15.38%, P=0.025). During the 30-d follow-up period, no major adverse cardiovascular events occurred in either group. This study demonstrated benefit of DH in reducing myocardial injury and potential preserving microvascular function in patients with unstable angina undergoing elective PCI.

Prehospital troponin as a predictor of early clinical deterioration.

Elevated troponin T (cTnT) values are associated with comorbidities and early mortality, in both cardiovascular and noncardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study is to evaluate the prognostic accuracy of the sole utilization of prehospital point-of-care cardiac troponin T to identify the risk of early in-hospital deterioration, including mortality within 28days. We conducted a prospective, multicentric, controlled, ambulance-based, observational study in adults with acute diseases transferred with high priority by ambulance to emergency departments, between 1 January and 30 September 2020. Patients with hospital diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome were excluded. The discriminative power of the predictive cTnT was assessed through a discrimination model trained using a derivation cohort and evaluated by the area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic on a validation cohort. A total of 848 patients were included in our study. The median age was 68years (25th-75th percentiles: 50-81years), and 385 (45.4%) were women. The mortality rate within 28days was 12.4% (156 cases). The predictive ability of cTnT to predict mortality presented an area under the curve of 0.903 (95% CI: 0.85-0.954; P<.001). Risk stratification was performed, resulting in three categories with the following optimal cTnT cut-off points: high risk greater than or equal to 100, intermediate risk 40-100 and low risk less than 40ng/L. In the high-risk group, the mortality rate was 61.7%, and on the contrary, the low-risk group presented a mortality of 2.3%. The implementation of a routine determination of cTnT on the ambulance in patients transferred with high priority to the emergency department can help to stratify the risk of these patients and to detect unknown early clinical deterioration.

Coronary microvascular dysfunction beyond microvascular obstruction in ST-elevation myocardial infarction: Functional and clinical correlates.

To retrospectively characterize clinical predictors and impact on left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) of microvascular dysfunction (MVD) beyond microvascular obstruction (MVO), in 49 consecutive patients (58±11years), with successfully treated ST-elevation myocardial infarction. By myocardial contrast echocardiography, MVD was considered as myocardial segments with delayed/patchy opacification, while MVO as areas without any opacification. Both MVD and MVO were planimetered and expressed as percentage of total LV wall area. Patients were divided into tertiles of MVO: I (MVO 0%), II (MVO 4-17%), and III (MVO 18-38%) groups. Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) values obtained at admission and at peak were considered for analysis. MVD correlated inversely with EF in groups I and II (p=0.025, p=0.019, respectively), but not in group III. MVD was independently predicted by cTnT on admission (β=1.85; 95%CI=0.46-3.24, p=0.011) and female sex (β for male sex=-14.46; 95% CI=-27.96-0.95), while MVO by anterior MI (β=0.57; 95% CI=0.26-0.88, p=0.008) and peak cTnT (β=0.97; 95%CI=0.57-1.38, p<0.001). Altogether, MVD plus MVO predicted EF (β=-0.18; 95%CI=-0.28--0.07, p=0.002). Even in patients with limited amount of MVO, EF may be impaired by MVD. MVO and MVD have different predictors, which probably reflect their different pathogenesis.

Effects of peak time of myocardial injury biomarkers on mid-term outcomes of patients undergoing OPCABG

BackgroundWith the development of cardiac surgery techniques, myocardial injury is gradually reduced, but cannot be completely avoided. Myocardial injury biomarkers (MIBs) can quickly and specifically reflect the degree of myocardial injury. Due to various reasons, there is no consensus on the specific values of MIBs in evaluating postoperative prognosis. This retrospective study was aimed to investigate the impact of MIBs on the mid-term prognosis of patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG).MethodsTotally 564 patients undergoing OPCABG with normal courses were included. Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and creatine kinase myocardial band (CK-MB) were assessed within 48 h before operation and at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h after operation. Patients were grouped by peak values and peak time courses of MIBs. The profile of MIBs and clinical variables as well as their correlations with mid-term prognosis were analyzed by univariable and multivariable Cox regression models.ResultContinuous assessment showed that MIBs increased first (12 h after surgery) and then decreased. The peak cTnT and peak CK-MB occurred within 24 h after operation in 76.8% and 67.7% of the patients respectively. No significant correlation was found between CK-MB and mid-term mortality. Delayed cTnT peak (peak cTnT elevated after 24 h after operation) was correlated with lower creatinine clearance rate (69.36 ± 21.67 vs. 82.18 ± 25.17 ml/min/1.73 m2), body mass index (24.35 ± 2.58 vs. 25.27 ± 3.26 kg/m2), less arterial grafts (1.24 ± 0.77 vs. 1.45 ± 0.86), higher EuroSCORE II (2.22 ± 1.12 vs.1.72 ± 0.91) and mid-term mortality (26.5 vs.7.9%). Age (HR: 1.067, CI: 1.006–1.133), left ventricular ejection fraction (HR: 0.950, CI: 0.910–0.993), New York Heart Association score (HR: 1.839, CI: 1.159–2.917), total venous grafting (HR: 2.833, CI: 1.054–7.614) and cTnT peak occurrence within 24 h (HR: 0.362, CI: 0.196–0.668) were independent predictors of mid-term mortality.ConclusioncTnT is a better indicator than CK-MB. The peak value and peak occurrence of cTnT are related to mid-term mortality in patients undergoing OPCABG, and the peak phases have stronger predictive ability. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000033850. Registered 14 June 2020, http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=55162&htm=4.

Characteristics and Risk Factors Associated With Mortality in Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19.

PurposeTo describe clinical characteristics and outcomes of ICU patients with COVID-19 and to investigate differences between survivors and non-survivors.MethodsDemographics, symptoms, laboratory values, comorbidities and outcomes were extracted retrospectively from the medical records of ICU patients with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia from the Elisabeth-TweeSteden Hospital in Tilburg, the Netherlands from March until June 2020. Primary outcome was 28-day mortality and secondary outcomes were differences between survivors and non-survivors.ResultsBetween March 1 and June 4, 2020, 114 patients with COVID-19 were admitted to the ICU. There were 83 (72.8%) survivors and 31 (27.2%) non-survivors. Non-survivors were significantly older (72.0 years [interquartile range, IQR 67.0-76.0] versus 65.0 years [IQR 58.0-73.0], P = 0.002), had a significantly higher Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) score (54 [IQR 45-72] versus 43 [IQR 36-53], P < 0.001) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (7 [IQR 4-7] versus 5 [IQR 3-6], P = 004). cTnT values were significantly higher in non-survivors due to more myocarditis (83.9% versus 40.8%, P < 0.001). A multivariate Cox regression model revealed SOFA score (hazard ratio, HR 1.337, 95% CI 1.131-1.582, P = 0.001) to be an independent predictor of 28-day mortality.ConclusionWe demonstrated a 28-day mortality rate of 27.2% in our cohort. These patients were older and presented with a higher severity of illness and more organ failure.

Comparing conventional and high sensitivity troponin T measurements in identifying adverse cardiac events in patients admitted to an Asian emergency department chest pain observation unit.

BackgroundHigh sensitive cardiac troponin assays can be used for prediction of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients with chest pain.MethodsWe included patients with symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndrome in the emergency department observation unit. We compared the accuracy of conventional troponin T (cTnT) with high sensitive troponin T (hsTnT) at various ranges, as well as the utility of hsTnT and cTnT in prediction of 30-day and 1-year MACE.Results1023 patients were included (68.1% male, median age 56 years). There were 2712 hsTnT and cTnT values compared. hsTnT had a higher AUC than cTnT for 30-day and 1-year MACE. The optimal cut-off of 0-hour hsTnT for 30-day (PPV 34%, NPV 96.6%) and 1-year MACE (PPV 40.2%, NPV 94.2%) was 16 ng/L.For 844 patients who had values for both 0 and 2 h hsTnT, we proposed a rule-out cut-off of 0 and 2 h hsTnT < 16 ng/L (NPV 97.0%, 95%CI 95.5–98.1%) and a rule-in cut-off of 0 and 2 h hsTnT ≥ 26 ng/L (PPV 58.8%, 95%CI 40.7%-75.4%) for 30-day MACE. Negative 0–2 h delta-hsTnT had poor predictive discriminant capabilities on 30-day (PPV 8.2%) and 1-year MACE (PPV 12.3%).ConclusionThe cut off values of hsTnT used in the 0 and 2-hour algorithm to rule-out (16 ng/L) and rule-in MACE (26 ng/L) are in the range that previous cTnT assays are unable to measure accurately. Risk scores can be used to further improve NPV of the rule-out group. A fall in hsTnT level acutely is not predictive of MACE.

Exercise-Induced Release of Cardiac Troponins in Adolescent vs. Adult Swimmers.

To examine the exercise-induced release of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) in adolescent and adult swimmers. Thirty-two trained male (18 adolescents, 14 adults) swam at maximal pace in a 45 min distance trial, and blood samples were drawn before, immediately and 3 h after exercise for subsequent cTnT analysis and comparison. Having comparable training experience and baseline values of cTnT (p = 0.78 and p = 0.13), adults exercised at lower absolute and relative intensity (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively), but presented higher immediate cTnT after exercise than adolescents (p < 0.001). Despite that, peak concentrations were observed at 3 h post exercise and peak elevations were comparable between groups (p = 0.074). Fourteen (44%) apparently healthy subjects exceeded the cutoff value for myocardial infarction (MI). Adolescents presented a delayed elevation of cTnT compared with adults, but achieved similar peak values.

Detection of myocardial injury in perinatal asphyxia by echocardiography and cardiac biomarkers

Perinatal hypoxia can induces cardiac (Cd) injury in the newborn and requires an early diagnosis. Cd troponin I (cTnI) is correlated to hypoxic myocardial lesion-may be a useful marker of it Objectives: to evaluate the utility of echocardiography(echo) and research of cTnI values for diagnosis of myocardial injury. Patients: 98 newborns (0–14 days), with perinatal hypoxia, without major Cd anomalies, to wich were performed: clinical exam, ECG, Rx.CT, echo, research of cTnT values. The patients had mainly signs of neurological post hypoxic suffering without signs of Cd distress. The Cd exam: tachycardia, systolic murmur (64 pts); RxCT: cardiomegaly (35); ECG: LV repolarization disturbances (37);. Echo at 2–7 days of life: the absence of severe Cd malformations; myocardial LV hypertrophy (42 pts); normal LV systolic function(all); LV diastolic dysfunction (45 pts).The importance of Cd involvement were correlated with signs of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. The pts received spironolactone 1 mg/kg/day for 1 month, then 1 mg/Kg at 2 days (the alternating pattern) for 2–3 months. Evolution: absence of new myocardial suffering signs, is maintains systolic murmur (2/3 pts); reevaluation of echo at 6 months: the reduction of the myocardial hypertrophy, normal LV diastolic function; elevated cTnT values (> 0.12 μg/l): 56% pts with perinatal hypoxic suffering. The perinatal hypoxia can induce the apparition of post hypoxic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCMP)(69% pts), LV diastolic function disturbancies and normal systolic LV function, even if the signs of Cd suffering missing often; echo is the main method for diagnosis and follow up of perinatal hypoxic HCMP and is necessary from the first week of life; increased values of cTnT(> 0.12 μg/l) in perinatal asphyxia prove hypoxi c myocardial damage; traitement with spironolactone for 2–3 months induced improving of HCMP and normalising of LV diastolic disfunction and cTnI values.

Kardiyak Troponinlerin Belirlenmesine Yönelik Yöntemlerin Tanısal Önemi ve Analitik Özellikleri: Geleneksel Derleme

The laboratory methods for the determination of cardiac troponins (cTnI, cTnT) used nowadays are extremely diverse, which has a significant impact on our understanding of the biology and diagnostic value of cTnI and cTnT as biomarkers. The main classification of methods for the determination of cTnI and cTnT is based on the sensitivity of the immunoassay. Low- and moderately sensitive detection methods are known to be relatively low sensitive, which leads to a relatively late confirmation of cardiomyocyte death. Due to new highly sensitive methods used for the determination of cTnI and cTnT, designated as highly or ultrasensitive immunoassays (hs-TnT and hsTnT), we received new, revised data about the biology of cardiac troponin molecules. In particular, it became clear that they can be considered products of normal myocardium metabolism since hs-TnT and hs-TnT are detected in almost all healthy patients. It also turned out that hs-TnT and hs-TnT are differ by gender (in men, troponin concentration in the blood is higher than in women), age (in elderly patients, the levels of troponins are higher than in young ones) and circadian cycles (morning concentrations of troponins are higher than in the evening). A huge variety of methods for determining cTnI and cTnT, differing in their diagnostic capabilities, creates the need for tests in order to perform an unbiased assessment of analytical characteristics of each method. This review focuses on the most pressing issues related to the discussion of the biological characteristics of cardiac troponins and the analytical characteristics of troponin immunoassays from a historical and contemporary point of view.

Cardiac troponin T reference interval of healthy Nigerian children aged 5–17 years

Background: Cardiac troponin T (cTnT), a biomarker for myocardial injury, reference values is unknown in Nigeria. The establishment and use of pediatric cTnT normative values may be better than the use of adult-derived cTnT values. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine cTnT reference interval among healthy Nigerian children. Methods: One hundred and thirty-two healthy children aged 5–17 years were consecutively recruited over a 9-month period after meeting the inclusion criteria. Blood was taken and the sera analyzed for cTnT by the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay method using high-sensitive assay. Data were analyzed using RefVal software and SPSS version 23.0. Results: The male: female ratio was 1.03:1 with median (interquartile range) serum cTnT of 5.1 (5.0–5.1) ng/L. The reference interval has a lower reference limit (2.5th percentile) of 5.0 (5.0–5.0) ng/L and upper reference limit (97.5th percentile) of 6.8 (5.7–7.2) ng/L. The 99th percentile of cTnT was 7.2 ng/L. Serum cTnT had weak association with age (rs[130] = 0.19, P = 0.033) but no significant relationship with body mass index-for-age-and-sex, sex and social class. Conclusion: This cTnT reference interval can be beneficial in low-middle-income settings who lack indigenous reference intervals. We recommend its use for the identification of myocardial injury among children instead of adult intervals to prevent under-treatment. Stakeholders are encouraged to make cTnT affordable to the less privileged.

High-sensitivity troponins in dialysis patients: variation and prognostic value.

BackgroundDialysis patients have a high prevalence of cardiovascular mortality but also elevated cardiac troponins (cTns) even without signs of cardiac ischaemia. The study aims to assess variation and prognostic value of high-sensitivity cTnI and cTnT in prevalent dialysis patients.MethodsIn 198 prevalent haemodialysis (HD) and 78 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, 4-monthly serum troponin I and T measurements were obtained. Reference change values (RCVs) were used for variability assessment and competing-risk regression models for survival analyses; maximal follow-up was 50 months.ResultsHD and PD patients had similar troponin levels [median (interquartile range) troponin I: 25 ng/L (14–43) versus 21 ng/L (11–37), troponin T: 70 ng/L (44–129) versus 67 ng/L (43–123)]. Of troponin I and T levels, 42% versus 98% were above the decision level of myocardial infarction. RCVs were +68/−41% (troponin I) and +29/−23% (troponin T). Increased variability of troponins related to higher age, male sex, protein-energy wasting and congestive heart failure, but not ischaemic heart disease or dialysis form. Elevated troponin T, but not troponin I, predicted death after adjusting for confounders.ConclusionsA large proportion of prevalent dialysis patients without current established or ongoing cardiac events have elevated levels of high-sensitivity cTns. Mortality risk was doubled in patients with persistently high troponin T levels. The large intraindividual variation of cTns suggests that serial measurements and reference change levels may be used to improve diagnostic utility. However, evidence-based recommendations require more data from large studies of dialysis patients with cardiac events.

High-Sensitivity Troponin-T and Cardiovascular Outcomes in the Community: Differences Between Women and Men

ObjectiveTo evaluate associations of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin-T (cTnT) with cardiovascular disease (CVD), heart failure (HF), and mortality in community-dwelling women and men. Participants and MethodsA total of 8226 adults from the Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-stage Disease (PREVEND) cohort (1997–1998) were enrolled in a prospective observational study (mean age: 49 years; 50.2% women). Sex-specific associations of cTnT levels with future clinical outcomes were evaluated using adjusted Cox-regression models. ResultsMeasurable cTnT levels (≥3 ng/L) were detected in 1102 women (26.7%) and in 2396 men (58.5%). Baseline cTnT levels were associated with a greater risk of developing CVD in women than men [Hazard ratio (HRwomen), 1.48 per unit increase in log2-cTnT; 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.81 vs HRmen, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.35; Pinteraction<.001]. Similar sex-related differences were observed for HF (Pinteraction= .005) and mortality (Pinteraction= .008). Further, compared with referent category (cTnT <3 ng/L), women with cTnT levels greater than or equal to 6 ng/L had a significantly increased risk for CVD (HR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.45 to 3.64), HF (HR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.41 to 5.80), and mortality (HR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.52 to 4.61), whereas men with cTnT levels greater than or equal to 6 ng/L had a significantly increased risk only for CVD (HR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.07 to 2.13). ConclusionBaseline cTnT levels were associated with future CVD, HF, and mortality in both sexes, and these associations were stronger in women. Future studies are needed to determine the value of cTnT in early diagnosis of CVD, particularly in women.

Cardiac troponin is associated with cardiac outcomes in men and women with atrial fibrillation, insights from the ARISTOTLE trial.

Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and I (cTnI) concentrations provide strong prognostic information in anticoagulated patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Whether the associations between cardiac troponin concentrations and mortality and morbidity differ by sex is not known. To assess whether men and women have different concentrations and prognostic value of cTnT and cTnI measurements in anticoagulated patients with AF. cTnT and cTnI concentrations were measured with high-sensitivity (hs) assays in EDTA plasma samples obtained from the multicentre ARISTOTLE trial, which randomized patients with AF and at least one risk factor for stroke or systemic embolic event to warfarin or apixaban. Patients were stratified according to sex and the associations between hs-troponin concentrations, and all-cause death, cardiac death, myocardial infarction, stroke or systemic embolic event and major bleeding were assessed in multivariable regression models. We found higher cardiac troponin concentrations in men (n=9649) compared to women (n=5331), both for hs-cTnT (median 11.8 [Q1-3 8.1-18.0] vs. 9.6 [6.7-14.3] ngL-1 , P<0.001) and hs-cTnI (5.8 [3.4-10.8] vs. 4.9 [3.1-8.8] ngL-1 , P<0.001). Adjusting for baseline demographics, comorbidities and medications, men still had significantly higher hs-troponin concentrations than women. C-reactive protein and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide concentrations were higher in female patients. Both hs-cTnT and hs-cTnI concentrations were associated with all clinical outcomes similarly in men and women (p-value for interaction >0.05 for all end-points). Men have higher hs-troponin concentrations than women in AF. Regardless of sex, hs-troponin concentrations remain similarly associated with adverse clinical outcomes in anticoagulated patients with AF.

Cardiac Troponin T Release after Football 7 in Healthy Children and Adults.

The objective of this study was to compare the release of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) after a football 7 match between two cohorts of children and adult players. Thirty-six male football players (children = 24, adult = 12) played a football 7 match, and cTnT was measured before, and 3 h after exercise. Concentrations of cTnT were compared between groups and time, and correlated with participants’ characteristics, as well as internal and external exercise load. Cardiac troponin T was elevated in all participants (p < 0.001), and exceeded the upper reference limit for myocardial infarction in 25 (~70%) of them. Baseline concentrations were higher in adults (p < 0.001), but the elevation of cTnT was comparable between the groups (p = 0.37). Age (p < 0.001), body mass (p = 0.001) and height (p < 0.001), and training experience (p = 0.001) were associated to baseline cTnT values, while distance (p < 0.001), mean speed (p < 0.001), and peak (p = 0.013) and mean (p = 0.016) heart rate were associated to the elevation of cTnT. The present study suggests that a football 7 match evoked elevations of cTnT during the subsequent hours in healthy players regardless of their age. However, adults might present higher resting values of cTnT than children. In addition, results suggest that the exercise-induced elevations of cTnT might be mediated by exercise load but not participant characteristics.

Cardiac Troponin T and Right Ventricular Systolic Pressure Predict Cardiovascular and Mortality Risk in Kidney Transplant Candidates

Background: Patients presenting for kidney transplant (KTx) evaluation are subject to high rates of mortality and cardiovascular (CV) events pre- and post-KTx. CV and mortality risk assessment is needed. Methods: We evaluated cardiac troponin T (cTnT) as a predictor of CV events and mortality in a racially diverse cohort with significant CV disease burden presenting for KTx evaluation. Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was also assessed in predicting these outcomes. The population consisted of 561 patients presenting for KTx evaluation from 2011 to 2013 at Mayo Clinic, Arizona. A cutoff value for cTnT and RVSP that was most associated with CV events or mortality was derived. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to assess cTnT, RVSP, traditional, and other risk factors for the outcomes of interest. Results: Mean age was 53.5 ± 13.7 years and the median follow-up after KTx evaluation was 48.0 months. The cohort was 70.6% (n = 392) White, 11.4% (n = 63) Black, 8.5% (n = 47) Native American, and 3.1% (n = 17) Asian. Preexisting CV disease at the time of evaluation was prevalent in 24.4% (n = 137) of patients. During follow-up, 66.3% (n = 372) received a KTx and 21.9% (n = 123) had a composite event (16.8% death, 6.6 % CV events). It was found that 70.7% (n = 87) of events occurred in patients who were not transplanted; 53.5% (n = 300) had an elevated cTnT (≥0.01 ng/mL, median 0.02 ng/mL) and 84.1% (n = 344) of patients with RVSP data had an elevated RVSP (>25 mm Hg). Time to event analysis identified a cTnT ≥0.036 ng/mL and RVSP ≥31 mm Hg to be best predictive of CV events and mortality. Smoking, CV disease, hypoalbuminemia, RVSP, and cTnT independently predicted CV events and mortality. Conclusion: Elevated cTnT and RVSP were independently predictive of CV events and mortality in the cohort. Clinicians should consider the value of RVSP and cTnT as markers of CV risk in KTx evaluation.