cTn Levels Research Articles

Predictors of periprocedural myocardial infarction following percutaneous coronary intervenction in NSTEMI

Abstract Background Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has demonstrated a significant positive prognostic impact on outcomes in patients with Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). However, PCI is associated with an increased risk of periprocedural complications, among which periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI). Although risk factors of periprocedural events are only well established in patients undergoing PCI for chronic coronary syndrome with normal baseline cardiac troponin (cTn) levels, evidence on predictors of additional post-PCI myocardial infarction in patients with acute coronary syndrome who present elevated cTn levels at baseline (pre-PCI) is missing. Purpose To identify the predictors of PMI in patients affected by NSTEMI undergoing PCI. Methods We prospectively evaluated all NSTEMI patients admitted to our coronary care unit from 2017 to 2022 who underwent PCI. NSTEMI patients were managed according to the current European guidelines criteria. The diagnosis of PMI (type 4a myocardial infarction) was based on the Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction. We only enrolled patients with stable (≤ 20% variation) or falling pre-procedure baseline cTn values. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the factors independently associated with the occurrence of PMI after PCI. For the analysis, we selected the main known predictors of PMI after elective PCI, specifically age, serum creatinine, GRACE score > 140, multivessel disease, coronary bifurcation PCI, left main or proximal left anterior descending PCI, multivessel PCI and stent length ≥ 60 mm. Results The final court of the study included 1412 patients. PMI was recognized in 240 patients (17.0%). Although the patients who developed PMI had a higher risk profile as documented by a higher mean age, a higher complexity of atherosclerotic disease, and thus a significant technical difficulty of PCI compared to other patients, according to the multivariable model, only age [OR: 1.02 (95% CI: 1.01-1.04); p=0.006], coronary bifurcation PCI [OR: 3.71 (95% CI: 2.70-5.10); p<0.001], and stent length ≥ 60 mm [OR: 1.87 (95% CI: 1.30-2.68); p=0.001] were independent predictors of PMI. Interestingly, despite previous studies have demonstrated a predictive role of procedural complexity features, this was not completely confirmed by our analysis, in which left main or proximal left anterior descending PCI [OR: 0.92 (95% CI: 0.66-1.26); p=0.596] and multivessel PCI [OR: 0.83 (95% CI: 0.56-1.23); p=0.357] were not associated with an increased risk of periprocedural ischemic complications. Conclusions Among NSTEMI patients undergoing PCI, age, coronary bifurcation PCI and stent length ≥ 60 mm represent independent predictive factors of type 4a MI. This finding may have important clinical implications for clinical practice, providing valuable insights for the identification of higher-risk patients that can benefit from a more aggressive treatment.

Prognostic significance of type 4a myocardial infarction and periprocedural myocardial injury in NSTEMI patients

Abstract Background Type 4a myocardial infarction (MI) and periprocedural myocardial injury (PMI) might occur in patients with non-ST-elevation MI (NSTEMI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures. Purpose This study investigated the incidence and prognostic relevance of type 4a MI and PMI, according to current definitions, in NSTEMI patients undergoing PCI. The best cardiac troponin (cTn) threshold of PMI for prognostic stratification is also identified. Methods In this observational cohort study, we enrolled consecutive NSTEMI patients undergoing PCI with stable or falling pre-PCI cTn levels. According to the 4th Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction (UDMI), we stratified the study population into three subgroups: those experiencing 1) type 4a MI; 2) PMI; 3) no periprocedural ischemic events. The primary endpoint was 1-year all-cause mortality. The secondary endpoint consisted in a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at 1-year, including all-cause mortality, non-fatal reinfarction, urgent revascularization, non-fatal ischemic stroke and hospitalization for heart failure. Results Among 1412 NSTEMI patients undergoing PCI with stable or falling cTn levels at baseline, 240 (17.0%) experienced type 4a MI, 288 (20.4%) PMI, and 884 (62.6%) no periprocedural ischemic events. Patients with type 4a MI had the highest 1-year all-cause mortality and MACE rates. PMI defined by the 4th UDMI (post-PCI delta cTn >20%) did not show significant associations with primary and secondary endpoints. PMI redefined as post-PCI delta cTn >40% was significantly correlated with 1-year all-cause mortality and MACE. Conclusion Periprocedural ischemic events are common in NSTEMI patients undergoing PCI and influence patient outcomes. Type 4a MI and PMI redefined as post-PCI delta cTn >40% are strongly associated with 1-year death and MACE. This study highlights the importance of identifying periprocedural ischemic events to aid risk stratification and management of NSTEMI patients.PMI and type 4a MI: mortality 1-yearPMI and type 4a MI: MACE 1-year

Prognostic importance of persistent elevations in high-sensitivity troponin T in the early convalescent phase (two weeks) following high-risk myocardial infarction: insights from the PARADISE-MI trial

Abstract Introduction Myocardial infarction (MI) is defined by a rise and fall in cardiac troponin (cTn) with clinical evidence of acute myocardial ischemia. How often cTn remains elevated in high-risk patients stabilized following MI and the relation between convalescent cTn levels and subsequent clinical outcomes in these patients is unknown. Aims To evaluate the prognostic importance of high-sensitivity cTn T (hs-cTnT) in the early convalescent phase of a MI for a range of cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in patients enrolled in the Prospective ARNI vs ACE inhibitor trial to DetermIne Superiority in reducing heart failure Events after Myocardial Infarction (PARADISE-MI). Methods Patients ≥18 years without prior heart failure (HF) (n=5661) were randomized to sacubitril/valsartan or ramipril within 0.5 to 7 days of MI complicated by transient pulmonary congestion, LVEF ≤40%, or both. Hs-cTnT was measured using the Roche Elecsys Troponin T-high-sensitive assay in 1093 patients two weeks after randomization (median 2.6 weeks after the index MI). Associations between log (2)-transformed hs-cTnT and clinical outcomes were investigated in landmark analyses using Cox regression models adjusted for clinical covariates of known prognostic importance and NT-proBNP (Figure). Results Median week 2 hs-cTnT concentration was 34 ng/L [IQR 17-94 ng/L] and exceeded the 99th percentile upper reference limit in 69% of patients. Patients with persistently elevated hs-cTnT concentrations (n=753) were older, more likely men, more commonly had atrial fibrillation and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate and less likely had a prior MI. They more commonly had presented with ST-segment elevation MI and pulmonary congestion and had higher concentrations of NT-proBNP. Rates of primary reperfusion were similar. Log(2)-transformed hs-cTnT was only weakly correlated with LVEF (rho = -0.15, p<0.001), irrespective of the type of MI. hs-cTnT was independently and linearly associated with the primary composite outcome of CV death or incident HF (adj HR 1.17 per doubling; 95% CI, 1.03 – 1.34), all-cause death (adj HR 1.20; 95% CI, 1.01 – 1.44) and CV death (adj HR 1.25; 95% CI, 1.02 – 1.52) but not with non-CV death (adj HR 1.04; 95% CI, 0.70-1.54). hs-cTnT was not significantly associated with recurrent fatal or non-fatal MI (adj HR 1.00; 95% CI, 0.85-1.18) (Figure). Concentrations of week 2 hs-cTnT were not altered by sacubitril/valsartan relative to ramipril (+4%; 95% CI, -8% to 18%). Conclusions Persistent elevations in hs-cTnT during the early convalescent phase following high-risk MI are common and are associated with heightened risk of all-cause death, CV death and incident HF but not of recurrent MI or non-CV death. hs-cTnT measured ~2.5 weeks after high-risk MI provides incremental prognostic information beyond traditional risk factors and NT-proBNP.

The Hidden Heart: Exploring Cardiac Damage Post-Stroke: A Narrative Review

Stroke–heart syndrome (SHS), a critical yet underrecognized condition, encompasses a range of cardiac complications that arise following an ischemic stroke. This narrative review explores the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and implications of SHS, focusing on the complex interplay between the brain and the heart. Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) triggers autonomic dysfunction, leading to a surge in catecholamines and subsequent myocardial injury. Our review highlights the five cardinal manifestations of SHS: elevated cardiac troponin (cTn) levels, acute myocardial infarction, left ventricular dysfunction, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. Despite the significant impact of these complications on patient outcomes, there is a notable absence of specific guidelines for their management. Through a comprehensive literature search, we synthesized findings from recent studies to elucidate the mechanisms underlying SHS and identified gaps in the current understanding. Our findings underscore the importance of early detection and multidisciplinary management of cardiac complications post-stroke. Future research should focus on establishing evidence-based protocols to improve clinical outcomes for stroke patients with SHS. Addressing this unmet need will enhance the care of stroke survivors and reduce mortality rates associated with cardiac complications.

Cardiac troponin elevation and mortality in takotsubo syndrome: New insights from the international takotsubo registry.

The clinical relevance of cardiac troponin (cTn) elevation in takotsubo syndrome (TTS) remains uncertain. The present study sought to investigate the role of cardiac troponin (cTn) elevations in mortality prediction of patients with Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). Patients enrolled in the International Takotsubo (InterTAK) Registry from January 2011 to February 2020 with available data on peak cTn levels were included in the analysis. Peak cTn levels during the index hospitalization were used to define clinically relevant myocardial injury. The threshold at which clinically relevant myocardial injury drives mortality at 1 year was identified using restricted cubic spline analysis. Out of 2'938 patients, 222 (7.6%) patients died during 1-year follow-up. A more than 28.8-fold increase of cTn above the upper reference limit was identified as threshold for clinically relevant myocardial injury. The presence of clinically relevant myocardial injury was significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality at 5 years (adjusted HR 1.58, 95% CI 1.18-2.12, p =.002). Clinically relevant myocardial injury was related to an increased 5-year mortality risk in patients with apical TTS (adjusted HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.21-2.03, p =.001), in presence of physical stressors (adjusted HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.22-2.11, p =.001), and in absence of emotional stressors (adjusted HR 1.49, 95% CI, 1.17-1.89, p =.001). This study for the first time determined a troponin threshold for the identification of TTS patients at excess risk of mortality. These findings advance risk stratification in TTS and assist in identifying patients in need for close monitoring and follow-up.

. The significance of serum sST2 and cfDNA in children with severe pneumonia complicated by myocardial damage

Objective: The paper aimed to explore the significance of serum sST2 and cfDNA to prevent atrial inflammation in children with severe pneumonia complicated by myocardial damage. Methods: 120 children with severe pneumonia complicated by myocardial damage who were treated in the Children's Department of the author's hospital from April 2021 to December 2023 were recruited as research subjects. The children were randomly divided into two groups, one group of 60 children received personalized care intervention based on serum sST2 and cfDNA (personalized care group), and the other group of 60 children received routine care (routine care group). The clinical data of the two groups of patients were compared. The changes in serum sST2 and cfDNA levels of patients were compared before and after care. ELISA kits were used to test atrial inflammation marker levels before and after patient care. The patient's cardiac function was assessed through cardiac ultrasound. the nursing intervention effects of the two groups was compared. The patient satisfaction with nursing care was compared between the two groups. Results: There was no distinction in the general record of the two groups (P>0.05). Before care, there was no distinction in serum sST2 and cfDNA levels between the two groups (P>0.05). After care, the serum sST2 and cfDNA levels in the personalized care group were lower than those in the routine care group (P<0.05). There was no difference in CRP, cTn, 1L-6 and TNF-α between the two groups before nursing (P>0.05). After nursing, the levels of CRP, cTn, 1L-6 and TNF-α in personalized nursing were lower than those in the conventional nursing group (P<0.05). Parameters such as EF and E/A in the personalized care group were higher than those in the routine care group (P<0.05). The LVEDd and LVESd in the personalized care group were smaller than routine care group (P<0.05). The improvement rate of cardiac function, remission rate of atrial inflammation and 6-month re-hospitalization rate in the personalized care group were lower than conventional care group (P<0.05). The very satisfied rate in the personalized care group was higher than routine care group (P<0.05), and the dissatisfaction rate in the personalized care group was lower than routine care group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Personalized nursing intervention based on serum sST2 and cfDNA can significantly improve the cardiac function of children with severe pneumonia complicated by myocardial damage, reduce the levels of atrial inflammation markers, and advance the satisfaction of children and their families. These findings underscore the importance of applying serum sST2 and cfDNA monitoring in clinical care and the significant benefits of personalized care in preventing atrial inflammation, improving heart health, and improving patient quality of life.

The Long-Term Cure of Patients With Hereditary Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: 40 Years of Follow-Up in a Single Center.

The cure rate of patients with hereditary medullary thyroid carcionoma (MTC) can be decisively improved by screening for elevated calcitonin (Ctn) levels and RET gene mutations in patients from families affected by multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2), followed by prophylactic thyroidectomy in persons with mutated RET genes. In this long-term observational study, we investigated whether postoperative cures are indeed maintained decades after the procedure. From 1979 to 2021, 277 patients with MEN2 who underwent thyroidectomy were observed postoperatively for 14.4 ± 10.3 years (mean, standard deviation). They were classified as either cured or not cured depending on the last measured serum Ctn level (cured, Ctn < 10 pg/mL or < 2 pg/mL; not cured, Ctn ≥ 10 pg/mL). Depending on their RET mutation status, they were categorized as moderate, high, or highest risk (121, 130, and 26 patients, respectively). 154 patients (55.6%) obtained a long-term cure (Ctn <10 pg/mL). The median age at surgery was 27, 14, and 4 years in patients at moderate, high, and highest risk. All 52 patients who had undergone prophylactic thyroidectomy before the age of 6 years, 9 years, or 6 months had a Ctn level below 2 pg/mL and were cured at the end of the follow-up period. In a multivariable analysis, prognostic factors for a long-term cure were a lower tumor stage and, by tendency, classification as belonging to the moderate as opposed to the highest-risk group. In patients receiving an early diagnosis of MEN2 via family screening, prophylactic thyroidectomy taking into account the RET mutation risk group can achieve a long-term cure of MTC with undetectable serum Ctn levels.

Assessment of Troponin Levels as a Biomarker of Myocardial Injury in Patients with Fatal Covid-19 for the Period 2020 to 2022: A Literature Review

Background: COVID-19 initially described at the end of 2019. COVID-19 is caused by an uncommon ‎coronavirus infection. Since then, it has been spreading rapidly and has caused a global pandemic, infecting more than 29 million people and causing more than ‎‎900,000 deaths as of September 15, 2020. In most cases this disease mainly affects the respiratory ‎system and can cause a syndrome called acute respiratory distress, leading to acute ‎respiratory failure. However, COVID-19 causes other systemic ‎indications, such as myocardial injury, coagulopathy, and cytokine storm. Myocardial injury patients were determined by elevated troponin levels by large number of COVID-19 patients, ranging from ''7.2% to 36%''. COVID-19 patients may experience myocardial injury due to other complications such as ‎arrhythmias, heart failure, or even sudden cardiac arrest, as well, COVID-19 is a complex disease that can cause severe respiratory ‎failure. Understanding these complications is crucial for ‎managing the disease ‎and developing effective treatment. Aim: This review research aims to assess the roles of troponin in COVID-19 patients at a higher risk of ‎myocardial injury, as well as shed light on the most significant research articles conducted in this ‎field of regard area between 2020 and 2022. Methods and Materials: This review outlined the latest scientific research for the period from 2020 to ‎‎2022 ‎associated with the involvement of cardiac injury in the population of COVID-19 ‎‎patients by focusing on the use of troponin levels as a vital ‎indication. Additionally, it is starting from ‎encountered patients with COVID-19, as well as it‎‏ is ‏‎related to the increased risk of ‎death data and it had a crucial role in the identification of COVID-19 with a high risk of hypoxia in the blood. At that point, it was going through the evidence regarding COVID-19 and ‎cardiovascular biomarkers, such as troponin articles recognized using the electronic ‎search, as performed via PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar Database through a ‎comprehensive search conducted by combining key terms for instance; “biomarkers”, ’’myocarditis”, “COVID-19”, “troponin”. English-language articles were screened for ‎relevance and a full review of publications for the important studies was conducted, ‎including additional publications identified from individual article ‎reference lists. Conclusion: Cardiac troponin (cTn) is the most reliable test for detecting heart disease, particularly myocardial injury. Elevated levels of troponin (both cTnI and cTnT) are a critical risk factor for severe myocardial injury and hospitalizations, especially for COVID-19 patients who face a higher risk of adverse events. Therefore, measuring cTn levels is critical to monitor the progression of heart disease and effectively manage patients'

Physical Exercise Increases Cardiac Troponin (cTn) Levels as a Marker of Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review

Objectives. This study aimed to analyze an indication of physical exercise on the increase of cardiac troponin (cTn) levels as a marker of myocardial infarction from the physiological perspective. Materials and methods. A search of journal databases including MEDLINE-Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct was used in this systematic review study. The inclusion criteria were papers that addressed cardiac troponin (cTn), physical activity, and myocardial infarction, and were published within the last five years. Using the databases Science Direct, Pubmed, and Web of Science, 83 recognized publications were found. For this systematic review, finally ten publications that fulfilled the requirements for inclusion were chosen and examined. This study evaluated standard operating procedures using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Results. This systematic review reports that physical exercise has been found to increase cardiac troponin (cTn) levels as a marker of myocardial infarction, but this increase is triggered by the body’s physiological response during exercise and is not considered as a pathological response. Conclusions. According to the findings of the study, physical exercise has been proven to elevate the risk of heart muscle damage by triggering an increase in cardiac troponin (cTn). However, this feature occurs in a physiological state and represents an exercise adaptation process. An analysis of the relevant articles reveals that this increase in cardiac troponin (cTn) has not been shown to have a negative influence on developing cardiovascular disease.

Sex-Specific Troponin and Creatine Kinase Thresholds After Coronary Bypass Surgery

BackgroundThe impact of sex-differences on the release of cardiac biomarkers after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains unknown. The aim of our study was to (1) investigate the impact of sex-differences in cardiac biomarker release after CABG and (2) determine sex-specific thresholds for high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) and creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) associated with 30-day major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and mortality. MethodsA consecutive cohort of 3687 patients, comprising 643 women (17.4%) and 3044 men (82.6%), undergoing CABG from 2008 to 2021 in 2 tertiary university centers with serial postoperative cTn and CK-MB measurement was analyzed. The composite primary outcome was MACE at 30 days. Secondary end points were 30-day mortality and 5-year mortality and MACE. Sex-specific thresholds for cTn and CK-MB were determined. ResultsLower levels of cTn were found in women after CABG (69.18 vs 77.57 times the upper reference limit [URL]; P < .001). The optimal threshold value for cTn was calculated at 94.36 times the URL for female patients and 206.07 times the URL for male patients to predict 30-day MACE. Female patients missed by a general threshold had increased risk for MACE or death within 30 days (cTn: MACE: odds ratio [OR], 3.78; 95% CI, 1.03-13.08; P = .035; death: OR, 4.98; 95% CI, 1.20-20.61; P = .027; CK-MB: MACE: OR, 10.04; 95% CI, 2.07-48.75; P < .001; death: OR 13.59; 95% CI, 2.66-69.47; P = .002). ConclusionsWe provide evidence for sex-specific differences in the outcome and biomarker release after CABG. Sex-specific cutoffs are necessary for the diagnosis of perioperative myocardial injury to improve outcomes of women after CABG.

Role of Antitroponin Antibodies and Macrotroponin in the Clinical Interpretation of Cardiac Troponin.

Cardiac troponin is extensively used as a biomarker in modern medicine due to its diagnostic capability for myocardial injury, as well as its predictive and prognostic value for cardiac diseases. However, heterophile antibodies, antitroponin antibodies, and macrotroponin complexes can be observed both in seemingly healthy individuals and patients with cardiac diseases, potentially leading to false positive or disproportionate elevation of cTn (cardiac troponin) assay results and introducing discrepancies in clinical interpretations with impact on medical management. In this review article, we describe the possible mechanisms of cTn release and the sources of variations in the assessment of circulating cTn levels. We also explore the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying antitroponin antibody development and discuss the influence exerted by macrotroponin complexes on the results of immunoassays. Additionally, we explore approaches to detect these complexes by presenting various clinical scenarios encountered in routine clinical practice. Finally, unsolved questions about the development, prevalence, and clinical significance of cardiac autoantibodies are discussed.

Critically evaluated key points on hereditary medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) accounts for only 3% of all thyroid carcinomas: 75% as sporadic MTC (sMTC) and 25% as hereditary MTC (hMTC) in the context of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2). Early diagnosis is possible by determining the tumour marker calcitonin (Ctn) when clarifying nodular goitre and by detecting the mutation in the proto-oncogene RET in the MEN2 families. If the Ctn level is only slightly elevated, up to 30 pg/ml in women and up to 60 pg/ml in men, follow-up checks are advisable. At higher levels, surgery should be considered; at a level of > 100 pg/ml, surgery is always advisable. The treatment of choice is total thyroidectomy, possibly with central lymphadenectomy. In the early stage, cure is possible with adequate surgery; in the late stage, treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors is an option. RET A mutation analysis should be performed on all patients with MTC. During follow-up, a biochemical distinction is made between: healed (Ctn not measurably low), biochemically incomplete (Ctn increased without tumour detection) and structural tumour detection (metastases on imaging). After MTC surgery, the following results should be available for classification in follow-up care: (i) histology, Ctn immunohistology if necessary, (ii) classification according to the pTNM scheme, (iii) the result of the RET analysis for categorisation into the hereditary or sporadic variant and (iiii) the postoperative Ctn value. Tumour progression is determined by assessing the Ctn doubling time and the RECIST criteria on imaging. In most cases, "active surveillance" is possible. In the case of progression and symptoms, the following applies: local (palliative surgery, radiotherapy) before systemic (tyrosine kinase inhibitors).

The impact of preoperative calcitonin screening on the prognosis of patients with medullary thyroid cancer: a retrospective multicenter cohort study.

There is still controversy in different guidelines regarding the necessity of routine preoperative calcitonin (Ctn) testing in medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). The level of preoperative Ctn may influence the extent of surgery. This retrospective multicenter cohort study involved 149 MTC patients from 6 centers between 2013 to 2023. Clinical characteristics, surgical procedure and clinical outcomes were compared between Ctn-screened and Non-screened group. Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). In total, 127 MTC patients with preoperative Ctn screening and 22 MTC patients without screening were analyzed. MTC patients with preoperative Ctn screening underwent more radical surgical procedures including total thyroidectomy and lymph node dissection, compared to those without screening (84.3% vs. 68.2% and 91.3% vs. 72.7%, respectively). The rate of recurrence and death were lower in the Ctn-screened group (16.1% vs. 36.4%, 0.8% vs. 18.2%, respectively). The survival curve showed a significantly better overall survival in Ctn-screened group than Non-screened group (HR:17.932, 95% CI 1.888-170.294, p-value = 0.001), while no significant difference was observed of RFS between two groups (HR:1.6, 95% CI 0.645-3.966, p-value = 0.307). Preoperative Ctn screening can prompt surgeons choosing more radical initial surgical treatment for MTC patients, potentially leading to better long-term outcomes. Further evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of routine Ctn screening in thyroid nodule patients is warranted.

Progress and controversy on the extent of surgery for medullary thyroid carcinoma based on calcitonin levels

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a neuroendocrine tumor originating from the parafollicular cells (C cells) of the thyroid gland, classified as sporadic and hereditary. Calcitonin (Ctn) secreted by the C cells is a specific serological marker for MTC, which is of great value in diagnosis, treatment and postoperative management of MTC. The effect of chemoradiotherapy and 131I therapy on MTC is limited, with surgery being the primary therapy. Given the aggressive nature and relatively poor prognosis of MTC, the reasonable surgical extent is crucial for improving cure rate and prognosis of patients. However, there are still some controversies regarding the extent of surgery for MTC. This article elaborates on the research progress and controversies of serum Ctn levels in assisting the evaluation of the extent of surgery for MTC.

Changes of biochemical factors and the effect on recurrence of medullary thyroid carcinoma after surgery

ObjectiveMedullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare malignancy secreting calcitonin (Ctn). We aimed to analyze the relationship between Ctn levels at different time points in patients with MTC, and evaluate its predictive effect on recurrence. MethodsA retrospective study of patients diagnosed with MTC in a large medical center were conducted in northern China. The interrelationships between preoperative Ctn, normalization of postoperative serum Ctn at the first month (NPS), and long-term biochemical cure as well as their predicting roles on structural recurrence were assessed. ResultsA total of 212 patients were included in this study. The median follow-up time was 59.5 months. The 5- and 10-year cumulative disease-free survival rates were 81.5 % and 66.8 %, respectively. NPS (OR: 216.33, 95 % CI: 28.69–1631.09, P < 0.001) and absence of structural recurrence (OR: 61.71, 95 % CI: 3.90–975.31; P = 0.003) were associated with biochemical cure. Non-biochemical cure (OR: 28.76; 95 % CI: 2.84–290.86; P = 0.004, HR: 14.63, 95 % CI: 2.27–94.07, P = 0.005), larger tumor size (OR: 8.79, 95 % CI: 2.12–36.40, P = 0.003, HR: 5.41, 95 % CI: 2.04–14.37, P = 0.001), and multifocality (OR: 4.02, 95 % CI: 1.06–15.17, P = 0.040, HR: 3.00, 95 % CI: 1.18–7.60, P = 0.021) were unfavorable independent predictors of structural recurrence and disease-free survival. For sporadic MTC confined to the thyroid lobe, there was no difference in biochemical or structural prognosis between the different surgeries in the subgroup analysis. ConclusionsNPS, rather than preoperative Ctn, predicted long-term biochemical cure for MTC. Non-biochemical cure, larger tumor burden including larger tumor size and multifocality at initial surgery, served as worse prognostic predictors.

Incidence and associated in-hospital mortality of myocardial injury characterised by elevated cardiac troponin in adult patients with traumatic brain injury: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionMyocardial injury is a relatively common complication of traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, the incidence and clinical impact of myocardial injury characterised by elevated cardiac troponin (cTn) levels after TBI...

Rising Cardiac Troponin: A Prognostic Biomarker for Mortality After Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Elevated cardiac troponin (cTn) is detected in 10% to 30% of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and correlates with poor functional outcomes. Serial cTn measurements differentiate a dynamic cTn pattern (rise/fall >20%), specific for acute myocardial injury, from elevated but stable cTn levels (nondynamic), typically attributed to chronic cardiac/noncardiac conditions. We investigated if the direction of the cTn change (rising versus falling) affects mortality and outcome. We retrospectively screened consecutive patients with AIS admitted to 5 stroke centers for elevated cTn at admission and at least 1 additional cTn measurement within 48 hours. The pattern of cTn was defined as rising if >20% increase from baseline, falling if >20% decrease, or nondynamic if ≤20% change in either direction. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association of cTn patterns and 7-day mortality and unfavorable discharge disposition. Of 3789 patients with AIS screened, 300 were included. Seventy-two had a rising pattern, 66 falling, and 162 nondynamic. In patients with AIS with rising cTn, acute ischemic myocardial infarction was present in 54%, compared with 33% in those with falling cTn (P<0.01). Twenty-two percent of patients with a rising pattern had an isolated dynamic cTn in the absence of any ECG or echocardiogram changes, compared with 53% with falling cTn. A rising pattern was associated with higher risk of 7-day mortality (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=32 [95% CI, 2.5-415.0] rising versus aOR=1.3 [95% CI, 0.1-38.0] falling versus nondynamic as reference) and unfavorable discharge disposition (aOR=2.5 [95% CI, 1.2-5.2] rising versus aOR=0.6 [95% CI, 0.2-1.5] versus falling). Rising cTn is independently associated with increased mortality and unfavorable discharge disposition in patients with AIS.

Abstract WP15: Early Neurological Improvement in Ischemic Stroke and Risk of Cardiac Complications

Introduction: Cardiac complications are seen in 15-20% of acute ischemic strokes (AIS). We hypothesized that early neurologic improvement (ENI) with or without revascularization would be associated with lower risk of cardiac complications after AIS. Methods: We retrospectively screened consecutive AIS patients for elevated initial cardiac troponin (cTn) and ≥1 additional cTn within 48h. Minor strokes (NIHSS≤3) or comorbidities impacting cTn were excluded from primary analysis. ENI was defined as ≥4 pt improvement in NIHSS or 24h NIHSS≤ 1. Post-stroke acute myocardial injury (PSAMI) refers to dynamic cTn pattern (rise/fall&gt;20% in serial cTn levels) in the absence of acute atherosclerotic coronary disease or cardiac death. Secondary analysis assessed full range of NIHSS at baseline and at 24h in relation to cardiac outcomes. Results: Of 2,609 patients screened, 165 (ENI=62, no-ENI=103) were included in our primary analysis. (Fig.1). In patients with ENI, a dynamic cTn pattern and PSAMI were present in 55% (n=34) and 34% (n=21) respectively, compared to 45% (n=46) and 24% (n=25) in the no-ENI group ( P =0.20 and P =0.18). Adjusted regression analysis did not show any statistical association of cardiac outcomes with ENI. Secondary analysis including NIHSS≤3, was associated with a 4-fold greater risk of PSAMI in NIHSS &gt;15 at 24h (Fig.1). Analysis of patients intervened with MT or tPA (n=77) also showed no statistical association between ENI and PSAMI (Fig 1.) Conclusion: SENI was not associated with a lower risk of cardiac complications after AIS. NIHSS at 24 hours was a strong predictor of PSAMI. Larger studies should investigate if revascularization decreases risk of PSAMI.

Flaxseed oil fraction reverses cardiac remodeling at a molecular level: improves cardiac function, decreases apoptosis, and suppresses miRNA-29b and miRNA 1 gene expression.

Flaxseed is an ancient commercial oil that historically has been used as a functional food to lower cholesterol levels. However, despite its longstanding treatment, there is currently a lack of scientific evidence to support its role in the management of cardiac remodeling. This study aimed to address this gap in knowledge by examining the molecular mechanism of standardized flaxseed oil in restoring cardiac remodeling in the heart toxicity vivo model. The oil fraction was purified, and the major components were standardized by qualitative and quantitative analysis. In vivo experimental design was conducted using isoproterenol ISO (85mg/kg) twice subcutaneously within 24h between each dose. The rats were treated with flaxseed oil fraction (100mg/kg orally) and the same dose was used for omega 3 supplement as a positive control group. The GC-MS analysis revealed that α-linolenic acid (24.6%), oleic acid (10.5%), glycerol oleate (9.0%) and 2,3-dihydroxypropyl elaidate (7%) are the major components of oil fraction. Physicochemical analysis indicated that the acidity percentage, saponification, peroxide, and iodine values were 0.43, 188.57, 1.22, and 122.34 respectively. As compared with healthy control, ISO group-induced changes in functional cardiac parameters. After 28-day pretreatment with flaxseed oil, the results indicated an improvement in cardiac function, a decrease in apoptosis, and simultaneous prevention of myocardial fibrosis. The plasma levels of BNP, NT-pro-BNP, endothelin-1, Lp-PLA2, and MMP2, and cTnI and cTn were significantly diminished, while a higher plasma level of Topo 2B was observed. Additionally, miRNA - 1 and 29b were significantly downregulated. These findings provide novel insight into the mechanism of flaxseed oil in restoring cardiac remodeling and support its future application as a cardioprotective against heart diseases.

Management of medullary thyroid cancer based on variation of carcinoembryonic antigen and calcitonin.

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and calcitonin (Ctn) are pivotal biomarkers in the diagnosis and management of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). However, their diagnostic reliability in perioperative period remains a topic of ongoing debate. This review synthesizes researches on perioperative fluctuations in CEA and Ctn levels, and evaluates the impact of their different combinations on MTC diagnosis, treatment decisions, and prognosis. Our findings highlight it is crucial to understand and interpret the various combinations of CEA and Ctn fluctuations within a clinical context. Furthermore, to reduce diagnostic errors and improve patient outcomes, we recommend follow-up diagnostic and treatment protocols designed to address the potential pitfalls associated with the use of these biomarkers.