The calculation of the cardiac troponin T 99th percentile of the reference population is affected by age, gender, and population selection: a multicenter study in Italy

High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T and N-terminal b-type natriuretic propeptide are associated with cardiac and all-cause mortality in older adults - A population-based ten-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and N-terminal B-type natriuretic propeptide (proBNP) are mainly used as biomarkers to diagnose specific conditions of the heart, but they also have predictive ability. Our aim was to study their associations with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in an older population in non-acute conditions.

METHODS

A population-based study with a ten-year follow-up. The data comes from a community-based representative sample of an older population with 1260 participants (participation rate 82 %). Associations were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

Altogether, 467 (37%) subjects died during the 10-year follow-up period, and 149 of those of a cardiovascular disease. Both elevated cTnT and proBNP concentrations were statistically significantly associated with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in older adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that older population with higher cTnT and proBNP concentrations have an increased risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Acknowledging the elevated risk may aid in targeting follow-up, prevention, and treatment adequately and more individually.

Analytical characteristics and performance of a new hs-cTnI method: a multicenter-study

OBJECTIVES

The present multicenter study was designed to evaluate the analytical performance and the 99th percentile value of the reference healthy population i.e., 99th percentile upper reference limit of the MAGLUMI® CLIA high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) method.

METHODS

Analytical performances and the 99th percentile URL value of the chemi-luminescent-immuno-assay (CLIA) method were evaluated using validated and standardized experimental protocols. Two cohorts including healthy adult individuals were enrolled. The first one included 989 blood donor volunteers (489 women and 500 men) aged 18-70 years (mean age 43 years, interquartile range 31-54 years). The second population included 47 healthy individuals (31 women and 16 men, mean age 78 years, interquartile range 73-81 years) aged≥71 years.

RESULTS

The distributions of hs-cTnI levels in both sexes are highly right-skewed, and men show significantly (p=0.0028) higher biomarker values than women. Moreover, in both sexes the hs-cTnI levels progressively increase after the 55 years. In the multivariate analysis (n=958), hs-cTnI was found to be significantly associated to NT-proBNP (p<0.0001), sex (p<0.0001) and BMI (p=0.0424). The 99th percentile URL values, calculated using the bootstrap method in the total reference heathy population (age≥18 years), were: Females (n=521): 5.93 ng/L (CI 95 % 5.29-8.48), Males (n=516): 9.79 ng/L (CI 95 % 6.37-17.41 ng/L), Total Population (n=1,037): 7.18 ng/L (CI 6.08-12.20 ng/L).

CONCLUSIONS

The MAGLUMI CLIA method met all the criteria for an hs-cTnI assay recommended by international guidelines. The hs-cTnI values measured with the CLIA method are higher in men compared to women at the same age, and also progressively increase after the age>55 years.

Age- and sex-specific upper reference limits for cardiac biomarkers in Chinese children and adolescents: a prospective study

Cardiac biomarkers are being increasingly applied in pediatric populations, including those with cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic myocardial injury disease. The upper reference limits of biomarkers are an important reference for disease diagnosis and health evaluation. However, the upper reference limits of pediatric cardiac biomarkers remains unknown. A total of 1,797 serum samples were collected prospectively from healthy respondents aged 0 to 18 years old. These samples were analyzed using Roche cobas e411 to determine the concentrations of hs-cTnT, CK-MB mass, and NT-proBNP. The upper reference limits and 90% confidence interval were calculated according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute C28- A3 guidelines. The study successfully established the upper reference limits for hs-cTnT, CK-MB mass, and NT-proBNP in healthy children and adolescents aged 0 to 18. The hs-cTnT, CK-MB mass, and NT-proBNP levels were visibly higher in neonatal serum. With the increase in age, hs-cTnT, CK-MB mass, and NT-proBNP decline gradually. They decrease quickly in the first year after birth and decrease slowly after 1 year old. Gender differences were observed in the concentrations of hs-cTnT and CK-MB mass among healthy children and teenagers aged 10 to 18 and 13 to 18. Specifically, boys had relatively higher concentrations of hs-cTnT and CK-MB mass. However, no gender difference was found in NT-proBNP concentration. The concentrations of hs-cTnT, CK-MB mass, and NT-proBNP were simultaneously tested in healthy Chinese children for the first time. The specific upper reference limits of age and gender in pediatrics were established. The results provide comprehensive references for medical institutions specializing in children's healthcare, which are conducive to preliminary screening, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric cardiovascular diseases.

Cardiovascular risk evaluation in pregnancy: focus on cardiac specific biomarkers

Despite the evidence demonstrating the clinical utility of cardiac specific biomarkers in improving cardiovascular risk evaluation in several clinical conditions, even the most recent reviews and guidelines fail to consider their measurement in order to enhance the accuracy of the evaluation of cardiovascular risk in pregnant women. The aim of this review article was to examine whether the assay of cardiac specific biomarkers can enhance cardiovascular risk evaluation in pregnant women, first by reviewing the relationships between the physiological state of pregnancy and cardiac specific biomarkers. The clinical relevance of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)/NT-proBNP and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I/high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnI/hs-cTnT) assay in improving cardiovascular risk evaluation is examined based on the results of clinical studies on subjects with normal and those with complicated pregnancy. Finally, the analytical approaches and clinical objectives related to cardio specific biomarkers are advocated in order to allow an early and more accurate evaluation of cardiovascular risk in pregnant women.

New reference limits for cardiac troponin T and N-terminal b-type natriuretic propeptide in elders

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Our aim was to define reference limits for cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (proBNP) that would better reflect their concentrations in older people. In addition, the incidence of acute myocardial infarctions (AMIs) was studied using these reference limits in an older population with and without previous heart diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A population-based study with a ten-year follow-up. The reference population was formed by 763 individuals aged over 64 years, with no diagnoses of heart or kidney diseases.

RESULTS

There was a significant increase in cTnT and proBNP concentrations with age. The 99 % reference limits for cTnT were 25 ng/L, 28 ng/l, 38 ng/l, and 71 ng/l for men in five-year-intervals starting from 64 to 69 years to 80 years and older, and 18 ng/L, 22 ng/l, 26 ng/l, and 52 ng/L for women, respectively. The 97.5 % reference limits for proBNP were 272 ng/L, 287 ng/l, 373 ng/l and 686 ng/L for men, and 341 ng/L, 377 ng/l, 471 ng/l, and 794 ng/L for women, respectively. Elevated proBNP was statistically significantly associated with future AMIs in subjects with and without a previous heart disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Age-specific reference limits for cTnT and proBNP are needed to better evaluate cardiac symptoms.

Serum levels of soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) and heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) independently predict in-hospital mortality in geriatric patients with COVID-19

Elevation of cardiac damage biomarkers is associated with adverse clinical outcomes and increased mortality in COVID-19 patients. This study assessed the association of admission serum levels of sST2 and H-FABP with in-hospital mortality in 191 geriatric patients (median age 86 yrs., IQR 82-91 yrs.) with COVID-19 and available measures of hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP at admission. Cox proportional hazards models were utilized to predict in-hospital mortality, considering clinical/biochemical confounders as covariates. A composite cardiac score was calculated to improve predictive accuracy. Patients deceased during their hospital stay (26%) exhibited higher levels of all biomarkers, which demonstrated good discrimination for in-hospital mortality. Addition of sST2 and H-FABP significantly improved the discriminatory power of hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP. The composite cardiac score (AUC=0.866) further enhanced the predictive accuracy. Crude and adjusted Cox regressions models revealed that both sST2 and H-FABP were independently associated with in-hospital mortality (HR for sST2 ≥129 ng/mL, 4.32 [1.48-12.59]; HR for H-FABP ≥18 ng/mL, 7.70 [2.12-28.01]). The composite cardiac score also independently correlated with in-hospital mortality (HR for 1-unit increase, 1.47 [1.14-1.90]). In older patients with COVID-19, sST2 and H-FABP demonstrated prognostic value, improving the predictive accuracy of the routinely assessed biomarkers hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP.

Measurement of Cardiac-Specific Biomarkers in the Emergency Department: New Insight in Risk Evaluation

The aim of this article review is to analyze some models and clinical issues related to the implementation of accelerated diagnostic protocols based on specific cardiac biomarkers in patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) with symptoms compatible with acute cardiac disorders. Four specific clinical issues will be discussed in detail: (a) pathophysiological and clinical interpretations of circulating hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT levels; (b) the clinical relevance and estimation of the biological variation of biomarkers in patients admitted to the ED with acute and severe diseases; (c) the role and advantages of the point-of-care testing (POCT) methods for cardiac-specific biomarkers in pre-hospital and hospital clinical practice; and (d) the clinical role of specific cardiac biomarkers in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). In order to balance the risk between a hasty discharge versus the potential harms caused by a cardiac assessment in patients admitted to the ED with suspected acute cardiovascular disease, the measurement of specific cardiac biomarkers is essential for the early identification of the presence of myocardial dysfunction and/or injury and to significantly reduce the length and costs of hospitalization. Moreover, specific cardiac biomarkers (especially hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT) are useful predictors of mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients admitted to the ED with suspected acute cardiovascular disease. To guide the implementation of the most rapid algorithms for the diagnosis of Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) into routine clinical practice, clinical scientific societies and laboratory medicine societies should promote collaborative studies specifically designed for the evaluation of the analytical performance and, especially, the cost/benefit ratio resulting from the use of these clinical protocols and POCT methods in the ED clinical practice.

Higher troponin T serum concentrations in hospital patients without diagnosed cardiac diseases compared to a population-based cohort

OBJECTIVES

Upper reference limits of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) are derived from healthy, population-based cohorts, and are frequently exceeded in hospitalized patients. In this study we aim to systematically examine the differences between in-hospital patients with no diagnosed cardiac diseases and a population-based cohort.

METHODS

Retrospective analyses were performed in two independent cohorts. We included 5,652 participants of the prospective population-based LIFE cohort as well as 9,300 patients having been treated at our hospital between 2014 and 2021. In both cohorts, subjects with diagnosed or suspected cardiac diseases were excluded. We used Spearman's rank correlation for correlation analyses of hs-cTnT serum concentrations and age. Sex- and age-adjusted 99th percentiles for hs-cTnT in subjects with preserved renal function were obtained in both cohorts.

RESULTS

In both cohorts, hs-cTnT serum concentrations positively correlated with age. Male sex was associated with higher hs-cTnT serum concentrations. Persons treated in hospital showed significantly higher hs-cTnT concentrations in females and males aged above 50. While in the population-based cohort only 99th percentile hs-cTnT results of females aged above 70 and males aged above 60 years exceeded the assay's upper reference limit, the 99th percentiles of in-hospital females over 40 years and males of all age groups exceeded this threshold.

CONCLUSIONS

Besides age and sex, hospitalization per se is correlated with higher serum concentrations of hs-cTnT in most age groups. Our results indicate, that unconditionally applying current hs-cTnT cut-offs to inpatients might overestimate myocardial infarction and potentially lead to overdiagnosis.

Variability of cardiac troponin levels in normal subjects and in patients with cardiovascular diseases: analytical considerations and clinical relevance

In accordance with all the most recent international guidelines, the variation of circulating levels of cardiac troponins I and T, measured with high-sensitivity methods (hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT), should be used for the detection of acute myocardial injury. Recent experimental and clinical evidences have demonstrated that the evaluation of hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT variations is particularly relevant: a) for the differential diagnosis of Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) in patients admitted to the Emergency Department (ED); b) for the evaluation of cardiovascular risk in patients undergoing major cardiac or non-cardiac surgery, and in asymptomatic subjects of the general population aged >55 years and with co-morbidities; c) for the evaluation of cardiotoxicity caused by administration of some chemotherapy drugs in patients with malignant tumors. The aim of this document is to discuss the fundamental statistical and biological considerations on the intraindividual variability of hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT over time in the same individual. Firstly, it will be discussed in detail as the variations of circulating levels strictly depend not only on the analytical error of the method used but also on the intra-individual variability of the biomarker. Afterwards, the pathophysiological interpretation and the clinical relevance of the determination of the variability of the hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT values ​​ in patients with specific clinical conditions are discussed. Finally, the evaluation over time of the variation in circulating levels of hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT is proposed for a more accurate estimation of cardiovascular risk in asymptomatic subjects from the general population.

Inflammageing and Cardiovascular System: Focus on Cardiokines and Cardiac-Specific Biomarkers

The term "inflammageing" was introduced in 2000, with the aim of describing the chronic inflammatory state typical of elderly individuals, which is characterized by a combination of elevated levels of inflammatory biomarkers, a high burden of comorbidities, an elevated risk of disability, frailty, and premature death. Inflammageing is a hallmark of various cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, and rapid progression to heart failure. The great experimental and clinical evidence accumulated in recent years has clearly demonstrated that early detection and counteraction of inflammageing is a promising strategy not only to prevent cardiovascular disease, but also to slow down the progressive decline of health that occurs with ageing. It is conceivable that beneficial effects of counteracting inflammageing should be most effective if implemented in the early stages, when the compensatory capacity of the organism is not completely exhausted. Early interventions and treatments require early diagnosis using reliable and cost-effective biomarkers. Indeed, recent clinical studies have demonstrated that cardiac-specific biomarkers (i.e., cardiac natriuretic peptides and cardiac troponins) are able to identify, even in the general population, the individuals at highest risk of progression to heart failure. However, further clinical studies are needed to better understand the usefulness and cost/benefit ratio of cardiac-specific biomarkers as potential targets in preventive and therapeutic strategies for early detection and counteraction of inflammageing mechanisms and in this way slowing the progressive decline of health that occurs with ageing.

Cardiac troponins: Mechanisms of release and role in healthy and diseased subjects

The cardiac troponins (cTns), cardiac troponin C (cTnC), cTnT, and cTnI are key elements of myocardial apparatus, fixed as protein complex on the thin filament of sarcomere and are involved in the regulation of excitation-contraction coupling of cardiomyocytes in the presence of Ca²⁺ . Circulating cTnT and cTnI (cTns) increase following cardiac tissue necrosis, and they are consolidated biomarkers of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the use of high sensitivity (hs)-immunoassay tests for cTnT and cTnI has made it possible to identify a multitude of other clinical conditions associated with increased circulating levels of cTns. cTns can be measured also in the peripheral circulation of healthy subjects or athletes, suggesting that different mechanisms are involved in the release of cTns in the blood independently of cardiac cell necrosis. In this review, the molecular/cellular mechanisms involved in cTns release in blood and the exploitation of cTnI and cTnT as biomarkers of cardiac adverse events, in addition to cardiac necrosis, are discussed.

Evaluation of the cardiovascular risk in patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery: role of cardiac-specific biomarkers

Major adverse cardiovascular events are frequently observed in patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery during the peri-operative period. At this time, the possibility to predict cardiovascular events remains limited, despite the introduction of several algorithms to calculate the risk of adverse events, mainly death and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) based on the clinical history, risk factors (sex, age, lipid profile, serum creatinine) and non-invasive cardiac exams (electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, stress tests). The cardiac-specific biomarkers natriuretic peptides (NPs) and cardiac troponins (cTn) have been proposed as additional tools for risk prediction in the peri-operative period, particularly for the identification of myocardial injury in patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery. The prognostic information from the measurement of BNP/NT-proBNP and hs-cTn is independent and complementary to other important indicators of risk, also including ECG and imaging techniques. Elevated levels of cardiac-specific biomarkers before surgery are associated with a markedly higher risk of MACE during the peri-operative period. BNP/NT-proBNP and hs-cTn should be measured in all patients during the clinical evaluation before surgery, particularly during intermediate- or high-risk surgery, in patients aged >65 years and/or with comorbidities. Several questions remain to be assessed in dedicated clinical studies, such as how to optimize the management of patients with raised cardiac specific biomarkers before surgery, and whether a strategy based on biomarker measurement improves patient outcomes and is cost-effective.

SARS-CoV-2 Associated Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome With a High Prevalence of Myocarditis - A Multicenter Evaluation of Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics, Treatment and Outcome

Introduction

Pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome - temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection (PIMS -TS) comprises a new disease entity having emerged after the COVID-19 outbreak in 2019.

Materials and Methods

For this multicenter, retrospective study children between 0 and 18 years with PIMS-TS between March 2020 and May 2021 were included, before availability of vaccination for children. Frequent SARS-CoV-2 variants at that period were the wildtype virus, alpha, beta and delta variants. Inclusion criteria were according to the PIMS-TS criteria, proposed by the Royal College of Pediatrics and WHO. Study aim was to review their clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic data with a focus on cardiac involvement.

Results

We report 45 patients, median age 9 years, 64% male. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were positive in 35/41 (85%). PIMS occurrence followed local COVID-19 peak incidence periods with a time lag. The most common symptoms at presentation were fever (98%), abdominal pain (89%) and rash (80%). Fever history of > 5 days was associated with decreased left ventricular function (p = 0.056). Arterial hypotension and cardiac dysfunction were documented in 72% patients, increased brain natriuretic peptide in 96% and increased cardiac troponin in 64% of the children. Echocardiography revealed mitral valve regurgitation (64%), coronary abnormalities (36%) and pericardial effusions (40%). Increased NT-proBNP was significantly associated with the need of inotropics (p < 0.05), which were necessary in 40% of the patients. Treatment comprised intravenous immunoglobulin (93%), systemic steroids (84%) and acetylsalicylic acid (100%; 26/45 started with high dosages). For insufficient response to this treatment, five (11%) children received the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist anakinra. All patients were discharged with almost resolved cardiac signs.

Conclusion

Our analysis of non-vaccinated children with PIMS-TS demonstrates that a considerable number have associated myocarditis requiring intensive care and inotropic support. Most children showed adequate response to intravenous immunoglobulin and steroids and good recovery. Further evaluation of pediatric patients with COVID-19 associated diseases is required to evaluate the impact of new virus variants.

Effect of Outlier Elimination on the 99th Percentile Upper Reference Limits of High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I Assays Based on a Strictly Selected Healthy Reference Population

Background

We established high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hsTnI) 99th percentile upper reference limits (URLs) for the Centaur XPT High-Sensitivity Troponin I assay (Centaur hsTnI; Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) and Atellica IM High-Sensitivity Troponin I assay (Atellica hsTnI; Siemens) and assessed the effect of outlier elimination.

Methods

The reference population comprised 380 men and 387 women, satisfying the strict systematic reference population criteria. After reference population verification by the N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) assay, 99th percentile URLs for Centaur hsTnI and Atellica hsTnI were calculated before and after outlier elimination.

Results

The 99th percentile URL for Centaur hsTnI was 60.4 (men, 74.7; women, 57.5) ng/L and that for Atellica hsTnI was 59.6 (men, 75.2; women, 55.1) ng/L. After the elimination of 61 (8.0%) outlier samples in Centaur hsTnI and 58 (7.6%) in Atellica hsTnI, the 99th percentile URLs were 13.5 ng/L (men, 15.3 ng/L; women, 11.9 ng/L) and 13.4 ng/L (men, 15.5 ng/L; women, 12.9 ng/L), respectively, significantly lower than those before outlier elimination. The CVs at the 99th percentile URLs were 5.2% and 3.5%, respectively. The measurable fractions among the reference population were 91.5% and 93.4%, respectively. Performance evaluation of Atellica B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), Atellica NT-proBNP, Centaur hsTnI, and Atellica hsTnI showed outstanding results.

Conclusions

The Korean hsTnI 99th percentile URLs calculated in this study were significantly lower after outlier elimination than before. Centaur hsTnI and Atellica hsTnI meet the "Guideline acceptable" and "Level 3 (second generation, high sensitivity)" requirements, satisfying international standards.

Natriuretic Peptides and Troponins to Predict Cardiovascular Events in Patients Undergoing Major Non-Cardiac Surgery

Patients undergoing major surgery have a substantial risk of cardiovascular events during the perioperative period. Despite the introduction of several risk scores based on medical history, classical risk factors and non-invasive cardiac tests, the possibility of predicting cardiovascular events in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery remains limited. The cardiac-specific biomarkers, natriuretic peptides (NPs) and cardiac troponins (cTn) have been proposed as additional tools for risk prediction in the perioperative period. This review paper aims to discuss the value of preoperative levels and perioperative changes in cardiac-specific biomarkers to predict adverse outcomes in patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery. Based on several prospective observational studies and six meta-analyses, some guidelines recommended the measurement of NPs to refine perioperative cardiac risk estimation in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. More recently, several studies reported a higher mortality in surgical patients presenting an elevation in high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T and I, especially in elderly patients or those with comorbidities. This evidence should be considered in future international guidelines on the evaluation of perioperative risk in patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery.

High-sensitivity cardiac troponins in pediatric population

Apparently healthy children often complain of chest pain, especially after physical exercise. Cardiac biomarker levels are often measured, but the clinical relevance of these assays in children is still debated, even when a cardiac disease is present. Coronary artery disease is exceedingly rare in children, but elevated circulating levels of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and T (cTnT) in an acute setting may help detect heart failure due to an unknown cardiac disorder, or worsening heart failure, particularly in combination with other biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptides. However, the interpretation of biomarkers is often challenging, especially when institutions transition from conventional cTn assays to high-sensitivity (hs-cTn) methods, as well demonstrated in the emergency setting for adult patients. From a clinical perspective, the lack of established reference values in the pediatric age is the main problem limiting the use of hs-cTn methods for the diagnosis and managements of cardiac diseases in infants, children and adolescents. This review aims to discuss the possibility to use hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT to detect cardiac disease and to explore age-related differences in biomarker levels in the pediatric age. We start from some analytical and pathophysiological considerations related to hs-cTn assays. Then, after a systematic literature search, we discuss the current evidence and possible limitations of hs-cTn assay as indicators of cardiac disease in the most frequently cardiac disease in pediatric setting.

Age-Dependent Reference Values for hs-Troponin T and NT-proBNP and Determining Factors in a Cohort of Healthy Children (The LIFE Child Study)

This study aimed to provide reliable pediatric reference values for N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and high-sensitive Troponin T (hsTnT) obtained from a population of well children and investigate for associations with sex, pubertal status, body mass index (BMI), and serum lipid levels. We analyzed hsTnT and NT-proBNP values obtained from 4826 samples provided by 2522 children aged 0.25-18 years participating in a prospective longitudinal population-based cohort study, "LIFE child" in Leipzig, Germany (Poulain et al., Eur J Epidemiol 32:145-158, 2017). NT-proBNP values decreased throughout childhood from values over 400 ng/L at 3 months to 138 ng/L in females and 65 ng/L in males by 18 years of age. Values dropped rapidly with advancing pubertal stage. We found a strong association between lower NT-proBNP values and higher BMI or elevated serum lipids, the latter effect being more pronounced in males. For hsTnT levels, approximately half of the measurements were below the detection limit. However, 76% of those aged 3 months and 21% of those aged 6 months had values exceeding the adult cut-off limit. Females had slightly higher levels in the first 2 years of life but this was reversed during puberty. In males, there was an upward trend from pubertal stage 2 onward. We identified a positive association between hsTnT and BMI but a negative association with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels in boys but not in girls. Based on a large number of healthy children, we have established reliable reference values for NT-proBNP and hsTnT for use in everyday clinical practice. We have also identified important associations between certain metabolic and cardiac markers.Clinical Trial Registration ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT02550236).

Use of high-sensitivity cardiac troponins in the emergency department for the early rule-in and rule-out of acute myocardial infarction without persistent ST-segment elevation (NSTEMI) in Italy

Serial measurements of cardiac troponin are recommended by international guidelines to diagnose myocardial infarction (MI) since 2000. However, some relevant differences exist between the three different international guidelines published between 2020 and 2021 for the management of patients with chest pain and no ST-segment elevation. In particular, there is no agreement on the cut-offs or absolute change values to diagnose non-ST-segment elevation MI (NSTEMI). Other controversial issues concern the diagnostic accuracy and cost-effectiveness of cut-off values for the most rapid algorithms (0 h/1 h or 0 h/2 h) to rule-in and rule-out NSTEMI. Finally, another important point is the possible differences between demographic and clinical characteristics of patients enrolled in multicenter trials compared to those routinely admitted to the Emergency Department in Italy. The Study Group of Cardiac Biomarkers, supported by the Italian Scientific Societies Società Italiana di Biochimica Clinica, Italian Society of the European Ligand Assay Society, and Società Italiana di Patolgia Clinica e Medicina di Laboratorio decided to revise the document previously published in 2013 about the management of patients with suspected NSTEMI, and to provide some suggestions for the use of these biomarkers in clinical practice, with a particular focus on the Italian setting.

Revisited Upper Reference Limits for Highly Sensitive Cardiac Troponin T in Relation to Age, Sex, and Renal Function

(1) Background: Highly sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) plays an essential role in the diagnosis of myocardial injury. The upper reference limit of the respective assay is generally applied, irrespective of age, renal function, or sex. We aimed to identify age-adjusted and sex-adjusted upper reference limits in relation to renal function in a large population-based cohort without cardiac diseases. (2) Methods: We included 5428 subjects of the population-based LIFE-Adult cohort, free of diagnosed cardiac diseases. Sex-adjusted and age-adjusted 99th percentiles for hs-cTnT in subjects with preserved renal function were obtained. (3) Results: The hs-cTnT values were higher in men of all age groups. In both sexes, an increasing age positively correlated with higher hs-cTnT values. Hs-cTnT weakly correlated with serum creatinine. The three-dimensional analysis of age, creatinine, and hs-cTnT showed no relevant additional effect of creatinine on hs-cTnT. In men aged above 60 and women above 70, the calculated 99th percentiles clearly exceeded the commonly applied thresholds. (4) Conclusion: Age and sex have a major impact on the serum concentration of hs-cTnT, while renal function does not. We propose to consider age-adjusted and sex-adjusted reference values.

Inconsistent Findings of Cardiac Troponin T and I in Clinical Routine Diagnostics: Factors of Influence

Cardiac troponins are crucial for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. Despite known differences in their diagnostic implication, there are no recommendations for only one of the two troponins, cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and troponin T (cTnT) so far. In an everyday routine diagnostic, cTnT (Roche) as well as cTnI (Abbott) were measured in 5667 samples from 3264 patient cases. We investigated the number of identical or discrepant troponin findings. Regarding cTnI, we considered both, sex-dependent and unisex cutoffs. In particular, the number of cTnT positive and cTnI negative results was strikingly high in 14.0% of cTnT positive samples and increases to 23.8% by using sex-specific cTnI cutoffs. This group was considerably greater than the group of cTnI positive and cTnT negative results, also after elimination of patients with an eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m². Comparing the troponin cases with a dynamic increase or decrease between two measurements, we saw a balanced number of discrepant cases (between cTnT+/cTnI- and cTnT-/cTnI+), which was, however, still present. Using ROC analysis, sex-dependent cutoffs improved sensitivity and specificity of cTnI. This study shows in a large cohort that comparing the two cardiac troponins does not amount to identical analytical results. Consideration of sex-dependent cutoffs may improve sensitivity and specificity.

Diagnostic algorithms for non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: open issues

The use of serial measurement of cardiac troponin (cTn) is recommended by international guidelines for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) since 2000. This article focuses on factors influencing temporal changes in high-sensitive cTn (hs)-cTn and the impact of these factors on the diagnosis of non-ST-segment elevation MI (NSTEMI). The recommendations proposed by three different international guidelines published in 2020-2021 for the management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in patients presenting without persistent ST-segment elevation (NSTE) show some discrepancies. In particular, there is no agreement among these guidelines about cut-off or absolute change values to be used for the rule-in, especially regarding the use of sex-specific cut-off values. Furthermore, there are no sufficient evidences on the diagnostic accuracy and cost effectiveness related to cut-off values suggested for algorithms to be used by some hs-cTnI methods.

CA.ME.LI.A. An epidemiological study on the prevalence of CArdiovascular, MEtabolic, LIver and Autoimmune diseases in Northern Italy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

CA.ME.LI.A (CArdiovascular risks, MEtabolic syndrome, LIver and Autoimmune disease) is a cross-sectional, epidemiological study performed between 2009-2011 in Abbiategrasso (Milan, Italy) to estimate the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, metabolic syndrome, liver and autoimmune diseases in the general adult population. This report focuses on the description and presentation of baseline characteristics of the population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Citizens were randomly selected from the city electoral registers (n = 30903), yielding a sample of 2554 subjects (M = 1257, F = 1297; age, 47 ± 15 yrs; range 18-77 yrs). Men had higher prevalence of overweight or obesity (60.8% vs 41.6%; p < 0.0001) and greater thickness of visceral adipose tissue (40 ± 19 vs 27 ± 17 mm; p < 0.0001); no gender difference was found in subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness. Men also showed higher levels of serum triglycerides, γ-GT, fasting blood glucose, insulin and Homa-IR Index, while HDL, CRP, and prevalence of elevated (>5.0 mg/L) CRP were lower. Compared to normal weight men, risk-ratio (RR) of CRP elevation was 1.32 (ns) in overweight and 2.68 (p < 0.0001) in obese subjects. The corresponding figures in females were 2.68 (p < 0.0001) and 5.18 (p < 0.0001). Metabolic syndrome was more frequent in men (32.7% vs 14.5%; RR: 2.24, p < 0.0001). Interadventitia common carotid artery diameter was higher in men and increased with age and BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study reports on the overall characteristics of a large population from Northern Italy. It aims to identify the associations among cardiovascular risk factors to prevent their development and progression, improve healthy lifestyle and identify subjects liable to pharmacological interventions.

Evaluation and Comparison with Other High-Sensitivity Methods of Analytical Performance and Measured Values of a New Laboratory Test for Cardiac Troponin I Assay

Bakground

The aim of this study was to evaluate both analytical characteristics and clinical results of a new chemiluminescent method for the measurement of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), named VITROS ® High Sensitivity Troponin I Assay, using the VITROS® 3600 automated platform. The results found with this new method were compared to those observed with hs-cTnI ARCHITECT and ECLIA hs-cTnT ELECSYS methods.

Methods

For evaluation of analytical performance and comparison of clinical results, plasma samples (lithium-heparin), were collected from apparently healthy subjects and patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Results

The hs-cTnI VITROS method showed values for limit of blank (LoB 0.33 ng/L), limit of detection (LoD, 0.91 ng/L), limit of quantifications at 20% (LoQ 20% CV, 1.82 ng/L), and 10% (LoQ 10% CV, 4,74 ng/L), which are comparable to those previously reported for other hs-cTnI methods. Moreover, the clinical results of the hs-cTnI VITROS method were found to be closely correlated to those of hs-cTnI ARCHITECT (R = 0,9883, N = 198) and ECLIA hs-cTnT Elecsys (R = 0,9704, N = 293) methods.

Conclusions

The hs-cTnI VITROS method shows analytical performance comparable to other cTnI and cTnT assay. The results of this study confirm that there are significant systematic differences among hs-cTnI methods. Further multicenter studies using larger reference populations are needed in order to obtain a better estimation, especially of the 99° percentile URL values categorized for sex and age of hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT methods.

High-sensitivity cardiac troponin I: is ethnicity relevant?

AIMS

To evaluate 99th percentile upper reference limits (URLs) and investigate ethnic differences for the Abbott Architect high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) in a middle-aged to elderly cosmopolitan population.

METHODS

In subjects without cardiovascular disease and after outlier exclusion, data on hs-cTnI from 149 white men, 150 white women, 150 South Asian (SA) men and 150 SA women in their sixth, seventh and eight decades were analysed. Each ethnicity-gender-decade subgroup consisted of 50 patients except white men in their sixth decade (n=49).

RESULTS

The overall, women and men hs-cTnI 99th percentile URLs were 22.1, 17.9 and 24.8 ng/L, respectively. Median (IQR) hs-cTnI was higher in men (2.7 (1.8-4.1) ng/L) than in women (1.9 (1.1-3.2) ng/L; p<0.001). White men (3.2 (2.2-4.4) ng/L) had higher hs-cTnI than SA men (2.5 (1.6-3.6) ng/L; p<0.001), white women (2.1 (1.3-3.3) ng/L; p<0.001) and SA women (1.6 (1.0-3.0) ng/L; p<0.001). Hs-cTnI in white women was similar to SA women (p=0.07) and SA men (p=0.07). Patients in the eighth decade had higher hs-cTnI (p<0.05) than those in sixth decade within each ethnicity-gender subgroup. Of significant associations, age had the greatest impact on hs-cTnI followed by gender and then ethnicity.

CONCLUSION

We report white-SA differences in hs-cTnI in men and a similar trend in women. We confirm age and gender differences in hs-cTnI, irrespective of ethnicity. Further studies are required to determine whether ethnicity-specific age and gender 99th percentile URLs improve detection or exclusion of myocardial injury.

Cardiac troponins: are there any differences between T and I?

The most recent international guidelines recommend the measurement of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) using high-sensitivity methods (hs-cTn) for the detection of myocardial injury and the differential diagnosis of acute coronary syndromes. Myocardial injury is a prerequisite for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, but also a distinct entity. The 2018 Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction states that myocardial injury is detected when at least one value above the 99th percentile upper reference limit is measured in a patient with high-sensitivity methods for cTnI or cTnT. Not infrequently, increased hs-cTnT levels are reported in patients with congenital or chronic neuromuscular diseases, while the hs-cTnI values are often in the normal range. Furthermore, some discrepancies between the results of laboratory tests for the two troponins are occasionally found in individuals apparently free of cardiac diseases, and also in patients with cardiac diseases. In this review article, authors discuss the biochemical, pathophysiological and analytical mechanisms which may cause discrepancies between hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT test results.

Clinical relevance of biological variation of cardiac troponins

The high-sensitivity immunoassays for cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) and cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) are recommended by all the most recent international guidelines as gold standard laboratory methods for the detection of myocardial injury and diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In this review article, the Authors aimed at discussing the relevant biochemical, physiological, and clinical issues related to biological variability of cTnI and cTnT. Cardiac troponins, measured with hs-cTn methods, show a better clinical profile than the other cardio-specific biomarkers (such as the natriuretic peptides, BNP and NT-proBNP). In particular, the hs-cTn methods are characterized by a low intra-individual index of variation (<0.6) and reduced analytical imprecision (about 5% CV) at the clinical cut-off value (i.e., the 99th percentile URL value). Moreover, recent studies have reported that differences between two hs-cTn measured values (RCV) >30% can be considered statistically significant. These favourable biological characteristics and analytical performance of hs-cTn methods significantly improved the accuracy in the diagnostic process of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in patients admitted to emergence department. In addition, several studies have demonstrated the clinical usefulness of cardiovascular risk evaluation with hs-cTn methods in some groups of patients with clinical conditions at high cardiovascular risk (such as systemic hypertension, severe obesity, diabetes mellitus, renal insufficiency, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). However, screening programs in the general population with hs-cTn methods for cardiovascular risk stratification require further investigation to define the optimal target populations, timing of measurement, and preventive interventions.

Reference limits of high-sensitive cardiac troponin T indirectly estimated by a new approach applying data mining. A special example for measurands with a relatively high percentage of values at or below the detection limit

A new model for the indirect estimation of reference limits (RLs) has been proposed recently and was coined TMC approach (truncated minimum chi-square estimation) which can be performed with R statistic. A spline function is applied to the RLs to get a continuous function if age is graphically presented vs. the RLs avoiding artificial “jumps” between different age groups. Most indirect models assume a power normal distribution and fail if this assumption is not fulfilled as e.g. if a relatively high percentage of measured values is below the detection limit and the data are distributed extremely skewed. This problem is handled by the TMC model. High-sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs cTnT) was chosen as an example. The hs cTnT concentration in serum or plasma is well accepted as a valuable marker in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. Currently, the 99th percentile derived from a “healthy” subpopulation is the decision limit recommended by consensus groups. However, this decision limit is questioned by several authors for many reasons. In the present report, the 97.5th and the 99th percentile limits were reinvestigated by the TMC model with different subpopulations stratified according to age and sex and were finally compared to presently recommended decision limits. In summary, the generally recommended 99th percentile as a fixed decision limit should be reconsidered. It is suggested to apply more specific reference limits stratified for age and sex instead of a fixed decision limit.

High-sensitivity methods for cardiac troponins: The mission is not over yet

The measurement of cardiac troponin (cTn) is recommended by all guidelines as the gold standard for the differential diagnosis of Acute Coronary Syndromes. The aim of this review is to discuss in details some key issues regarding both analytical and clinical characteristics of the high-sensitivity methods for cTn (hs-cTn), which are still considered controversial or unresolved. In particular, the major clinical concern regarding hs-cTn methods is the difficulty to differentiate the pathophysiological mechanism responsible for biomarker release from cardiomyocytes after reversible or irreversible injury, respectively. Indeed, recent experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated that different circulating forms of cTnI and cTnT can be respectively measured in plasma samples of patients with reversible or irreversible myocardial injury. Accordingly, a new generation of hs-Tn methods should be set up, based on immunometric immunoassays or chromatographic techniques, specific for circulating peptide forms more characteristics for reversible or irreversible myocardial injury. It is conceivable that this new generation of hs-cTn methods will complete the mission regarding the laboratory tests for specific cardiac biomarkers, started more than 20 years ago, which has already revolutionized the diagnosis, prognosis and management of patients with cardiac diseases.

Normative Values of High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T and N-Terminal pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide in Children and Adolescents: A Study from the CALIPER Cohort

BACKGROUND

Cardiac troponin (cTn) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are increasingly used clinically to evaluate and prognosticate acute myocardial infarction and heart failure, respectively. Pediatric reference intervals and cut-offs have not been established for Roche's Elecsys Troponin T hs (high sensitive) assay. Although pediatric reference intervals exist for NT-proBNP, cut-off values do not exist. In this study, we report reference intervals and 99th percentile cut-offs in a large, healthy Canadian pediatric population using the CALIPER cohort.

METHODS

Blood samples from 484 healthy children and adolescents between 0 and <19 years old were recruited from hospital outpatient clinics and community settings. Serum samples were analyzed using Roche's Cobas e411 and evaluated for high-sensitivity cTnT (hs-cTnT) and NT-proBNP concentrations. 95% reference intervals and 99th percentile cut-off values were established.

RESULTS

Three hs-cTnT age partitions were established (0 to <6 months, 6 months to <1 year, and 1 to <19 years) with highest concentrations observed in children under 1 year. Two NT-proBNP age partitions were established (0 to <1 year, and 1 to <19 years), also with higher concentrations in infants under 1 year of age. For each of these age partitions, the 99th percentile cut-off, 95% reference interval, and proportion of detectable concentrations were determined.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to examine hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP reference values together in a healthy pediatric cohort without other clinical indications. We present 99th percentile cut-offs, which will allow clinicians to appropriately evaluate cardiovascular disease in children and adolescents.

Establishing the 99th percentile of a novel assay for high-sensitivity troponin I in a healthy blood donor population

Background

The recommended cut-off of cardiac troponin (cTn) for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the 99th percentile in a healthy reference population. We aimed to determine the 99th percentile of the novel ADVIA Centaur® High Sensitivity Troponin I assay (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics) in fresh lithium heparin plasma samples from healthy blood donors.

Methods

A total of 1000 apparently healthy blood donors were included. High-sensitivity (hs) cTnI, hs-cTnT, creatinine and N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were measured in fresh lithium heparin plasma samples, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was measured in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-blood. The 99th percentile was estimated for the whole population, as well as for males and females separately.

Results

For the total population the 99th percentile of ADVIA Centaur® High Sensitivity Troponin I was 96 (65-149) ng/L. The estimated value differed significantly from results published by others and was highly dependent on which values were considered statistical outliers.

Conclusions

The estimated 99th percentile for hs-cTnI in the population studied differed significantly from previously published results. There is a need for further specifications regarding how subjects used for estimating the 99th percentile of cTns in healthy populations should be recruited and how outlier values should be identified, as this can highly influence the diagnostic cut-off applied for AMI.

Cardiotoxic effects and myocardial injury: the search for a more precise definition of drug cardiotoxicity

Drug-induced cardiotoxicity is a major clinical problem; cardiotoxic drugs may induce both cardiac dysfunction and myocardial injury. Several recent studies reported that cardiac troponins measured with high-sensitivity methods (hs-cTn) can enable the early detection of myocardial injury related to chemotherapy or abuse of drugs that are potentially cardiotoxic. Several authors have some concerns about the standard definition of cardiotoxicity, in particular, regarding the early evaluation of chemotherapy cardiotoxicity in cancer patients. Several recent studies using the hs-cTn assay indicate that myocardial injury may precede by some months or years the diagnosis of heart failure (HF) based on the evaluation of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Accordingly, hs-cTn assay should considered to be a reliable laboratory test for the early detection of asymptomatic or subclinical cardiotoxic damage in patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy. In accordance with the Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction and also taking into account the recent experimental and clinical evidences, the definition of drug-cardiotoxicity should be updated considering the early evaluation of myocardial injury by means of hs-cTn assay. It is conceivable that the combined use of hs-cTn assay and cardiac imaging techniques for the evaluation of cardiotoxicity will significantly increase both diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, and also better prevent chemotherapy-related left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and other adverse cardiac events. However, large randomized clinical trials are needed to evaluate the cost/benefit ratio of standardized protocols for the early detection of cardiotoxicity using hs-cTn assay in patients receiving chemotherapy for malignant diseases.

Early evaluation of myocardial injury by means of high-sensitivity methods for cardiac troponins after strenuous and prolonged exercise

All the latest international guidelines recommend that cardiac troponin (cTn) I and T should be considered the preferred biomarkers for diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. However, only in the last 5 years, a progressive improvement in analytical performance of immunometric assays has allowed the measurement of circulating levels of cTnI and cTnT in the large part of apparently healthy adult subjects. The routine use of these high-sensitivity methods for cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) assay has in a short time demonstrated that cardiac troponin concentrations frequently increase after strenuous prolonged exercise in healthy athletes. This acute response of hs-cTn assay following exercise was at first considered to be physiological and without long-term adverse consequences. More recent studies have suggested that exercise-induced increases in hs-cTn values may not be always a physiological response to exercise, but, conversely, it should sometimes be considered as an early cardiovascular risk marker. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of acute and chronic effects of strenuous physical exercise on hs-cTn circulating levels and also to discuss the potential pathophysiological and clinical implications of biomarker responses.

Evidence on clinical relevance of cardiovascular risk evaluation in the general population using cardio-specific biomarkers

In recent years, the formulation of some immunoassays with high-sensitivity analytical performance allowed the accurate measurement of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and T (cTnT) levels in reference subjects. Several studies have demonstrated the association between the risk of major cardiovascular events and cardiac troponin concentrations even for biomarker values within the reference intervals. High-sensitivity cTnI and cTnT methods (hs-cTn) enable to monitor myocardial renewal and remodelling, and to promptly identify patients at highest risk ofheart failure. An early and effective treatment of individuals at higher cardiovascular risk may revert the initial myocardial remodelling and slow down heart failure progression. Specific clinical trials should be carried out to demonstrate the efficacy and efficiency of the general population screening by means of cost-benefit analysis, in order to better identify individuals at higher risk for heart failure (HF) progression with hs-cTn methods.

The effects of a 50 km ultramarathon race on high sensitivity cardiac troponin I and NT-proBNP in highly trained athletes

BACKGROUND

High sensitivity cardiac troponins I (hs-cTnI) and T (hs-cTnT) and natriuretic peptides (BNP and NT-proBNP) are universally recognized as cardiac reference biomarkers in patients with acute coronary syndromes and heart failure respectively. However, while on one hand the high sensitivity methods of cardiac biomarkers have provided answers to fundamental pathophysiological and clinical questions in patients with heart disease, less information is available on their assessment in paraphysiological conditions, such as high intensity exercise in healthy athletes. The aim of this study was to evaluate hs-cTnI and NT-proBNP in highly trained runners after a 50 km ultramarathon.

METHODS

We have enrolled 20 highly trained male athletes who have run a 50 km ultramarathon. Blood samples were collected 2 hours before the start of the race (T0) and 20 minutes after the end of the race (T1). The blood concentrations of hs-cTnI and NT-proBNP measured before the race were within reference intervals in all runners.

RESULTS

Hs-cTnI significantly increased after the end of the race (median: 19 ng/L [IQR: 12.5-25.75] versus 6 ng/L [IQR: 4.25-8.0]; P<0.001), in three cases over the upper reference limit (URL) of 34 ng/L. NT-proBNP also significantly increased (median: 78 ng/L [IQR: 68.25-87.75] versus 22 ng/L [IQR: 18.25-26.75]; P<0.001). Three other athletes reached concentration over the URL (125 ng/L).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed a significant increase in hs-cTnI and NT-proBNP in highly trained athletes after a 50 km ultramarathon race, and 30% of runners had the values of cardiac biomarkers above URL. More studies with a larger number of athletes will be needed to better understand the effects of intense exercise on the heart of trained athletes.

High-sensitivity cardiac troponin I and T methods for the early detection of myocardial injury in patients on chemotherapy

Important advances achieved in pharmacological cancer treatment have led progressively to a reduction in mortality from many forms of cancer, and increasing numbers of previously incurable patients can now hope to become cancer-free. Yet, to achieve these improved outcomes a high price has been paid in terms of untoward side effects associated with treatment, cardio-toxicity in particular. Several recent studies have reported that cardiac troponin assay using high-sensitivity methods (hs-cTn) can enable the early detection of myocardial injury related to chemotherapy or abuse of drugs that are potentially cardiotoxic. Several authors have recently suggested that changes in hs-cTn values enable the early diagnosis of cardiac injury from chemotherapy, thus potentially benefitting cancer patients with increased troponin values by initiating early cardioprotective therapy. However, large randomised clinical trials are needed in order to evaluate the cost/benefit ratio of standardised protocols for the early detection of cardiotoxicity using the hs-cTn assay in patients treated with chemotherapy.

Determination of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T upper reference limits under the improved selection criteria in a Chinese population

BACKGROUND

There is no common consensus on how to define the reference population for determination of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) upper reference limit (URL). This study aimed to establish 99th percentile URLs of hs-cTnT under both 2018 AACC/IFCC criteria and improved selection criteria for further judging whether two URLs are different.

METHODS

Applying the stratified cluster sampling protocol, this study took 1848 apparently healthy subjects in communities of Shenyang China as the screening objects. We first followed 2018 AACC/IFCC criteria using surrogate biomarker for diabetes, myocardial dysfunction, renal dysfunction, and electrocardiogram. Then, we followed improved selection criteria to exclude hypertension, overweight and obesity, and dyslipidemia by physical examination and laboratory screening. Accordingly, 99th percentile URLs of hs-cTnT were established.

RESULTS

If the 2018 AACC/IFCC criteria were applied, 99th percentile URLs (90% confidence interval) of hs-cTnT male, female, and total were 19 (17-20) ng/L, 16 (15-17) ng/L, and 18 (16-19) ng/L, respectively. If added a single supplementary selection criteria, 99th percentile URLs of hs-cTnT total reduced to 16 ng/L, 17 ng/L, and 16 ng/L, respectively. If the improved selection criteria were applied, 99th percentile URLs (90% confidence interval) of hs-cTnT male, female, and total were 18 (14-24) ng/L, 13 (11-16) ng/L, and 16 (13-17) ng/L, respectively. The 99th percentile URLs of hs-cTnT male were higher than those of female in every age group.

CONCLUSIONS

Improved selection criteria through questionnaire survey, physical examination, and laboratory screening to further exclude hypertension, overweight and obesity, and dyslipidemia can avoid overestimation of the 99th percentile URL of hs-cTnT.

Determination of age- and sex-specific 99th percentiles for high-sensitive troponin T from patients: an analytical imprecision- and partitioning-based approach

BACKGROUND

Detection of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is mainly based on a rise of cardiac troponin with at least one value above the 99th percentile upper reference limit (99th URL). However, circulating high-sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) concentrations depend on age, sex and renal function. Using an analytical imprecision-based approach, we aimed to determine age- and sex-specific hs-cTnT 99th URLs for patients without chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS

A 3.8-year retrospective analysis of a hospital laboratory database allowed the selection of adult patients with concomitant plasma hs-cTnT (<300 ng/L) and creatinine concentrations, both assayed twice within 72 h with at least 3 h between measurements. Absence of AMI was assumed when the variation between serial hs-cTnT values was below the adjusted-analytical change limit calculated according to the inverse polynomial regression of analytical imprecision. Specific URLs were determined using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) methods, and partitioning was tested using the proportion method, after adjustment for unequal prevalences.

RESULTS

After outlier removal (men: 8.7%; women: 6.6%), 1414 men and 1082 women with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were assumed as non-AMI. Partitioning into age groups of 18-50, 51-70 and 71-98 years, the hs-cTnT 99th URLs adjusted on French prevalence were 18, 33, 66 and 16, 30, 84 ng/L for men and women, respectively. Age-partitioning was clearly required. However, sex-partitioning was not justified for subjects aged 18-50 and 51-70 years for whom a common hs-cTnT 99th URLs of about 17 and 31 ng/L could be used.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on a laboratory approach, this study supports the need for age-specific hs-cTnT 99th URLs.

Evaluation of 99th percentile and reference change values of a high-sensitivity cTnI method: A multicenter study

BACKGROUND

The Italian Society of Clinical Biochemistry (SIBioC) and the Italian Section of the European Ligand Assay Society (ELAS) have recently promoted a multicenter study (Italian hs-cTnI Study) with the aim to accurately evaluate analytical performances and reference values of the most popular cTnI methods commercially available in Italy. The aim of this article is to report the results of the Italian hs-cTnI Study concerning the evaluation of the 99th percentile URL and reference change (RCV) values around the 99th URL of the Access cTnI method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Heparinized plasma samples were collected from 1306 healthy adult volunteers by 8 Italian clinical centers. Every center collected from 50 to 150 plasma samples from healthy adult subjects. All volunteers denied the presence of chronic or acute diseases and had normal values of routine laboratory tests (including creatinine, electrolytes, glucose and blood counts). An older cohort of 457 adult subjects (mean age 63.0 years; SD 8.1 years, minimum 47 years, maximum 86 years) underwent also ECG and cardiac imaging analysis in order to exclude the presence of asymptomatic cardiac disease.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study confirm that the Access hsTnI method using the DxI platform satisfies the two criteria required by international guidelines for high-sensitivity methods for cTn assay. Furthermore, the results of this study confirm that the calculation of the 99th percentile URL values are greatly affected not only by age and sex of the reference population, but also by the statistical approach used for calculation of cTnI distribution parameters.

Effect of age and gender differences on high-sensitive troponin T measurement in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction

Background

Cardiac troponins are the recommended markers for the detection of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). There is a controversy regarding their decision limits. In this study, our objective was to reveal the cut-off values of high-sensitive troponin T (hsTnT) for AMI diagnosis in our population and to examine the effect of age and gender on hsTnT cut-off values.

Methods

Patients who presented to the emergency department (ED) with chest pain were selected, and only those patients admitted during the first 3–6 h of symptom onset were included in the study.

Results

A total of 484 men and 182 women were included. A total of 355 (279 men/76 women) patients were diagnosed with AMI. The cut-off values of hsTnT were found to be 17 ng/L and 16 ng/L, for males and females, respectively. The cut-off values of hsTnT were detected to be significantly higher in men over 40 years of age (24 ng/L) than in men less than 40 years of age (10 ng/L).

Conclusions

The cut-off value for the hsTnT test for AMI was slightly lower in females than in males. The cut-off levels of hsTnT for the diagnosis of AMI were found to be significantly higher in men over 40 years of age than in men less than 40 years of age.

Sex-Specific Cut-Offs for High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin: Is Less More?

Management of patients presenting to the Emergency Department with chest pain is continuously evolving. In the setting of acute coronary syndrome, the availability of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays (hs-cTn) has allowed for the development of algorithms aimed at rapidly assessing the risk of an ongoing myocardial infarction. However, concerns were raised about the massive application of such a simplified approach to heterogeneous real-world populations. As a result, there is a potential risk of underdiagnosis in several clusters of patients, including women, for whom a lower threshold for hs-cTn was suggested to be more appropriate. Implementation in clinical practice of sex-tailored cut-off values for hs-cTn represents a hot topic due to the need to reduce inequality and improve diagnostic performance in females. The aim of this review is to summarize current evidence on sex-specific cut-off values of hs-cTn and their application and usefulness in clinical practice. We also offer an extensive overview of thresholds reported in literature and of the mechanisms underlying such differences among sexes, suggesting possible explanations about debated issues.

Evaluation of analytical performance of immunoassay methods for cTnI and cTnT: From theory to practice

Current guidelines worldwide recommend cardiac troponins I (cTnI) and T (cTnT) as the biomarkers of choice for the differential diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and the measurement of the 99th upper reference population limit (URL) value for cardiac troponins, with an imprecision of ≤10 CV%. Measuring the 99th URL of cTnI and cTnT is a challenging analytical task due to low biomarker concentrations present in healthy subjects. Therefore, since the year 2006, several manufacturers have established new generation cTnI and cTnT immunoassays with an improved analytical sensitivity in accordance with the quality specifications described in international guidelines, the more recent of which state that only immunoassays that meet the required quality specifications should be considered "high-sensitivity" methods. For the early diagnosis of ACS, and for the stratification of cardiovascular risk in cardiac patients and the general population, high-sensitivity methods should be employed. It is therefore important for laboratory professionals and clinicians to gain a thorough understanding of the analytical performances of immunoassay methods for cTnI and cTnT, especially at low to normal concentration ranges. The aim of the present study was to analyze critical aspects related to definition, analytical performance, pathophysiological interpretations, and the clinical relevance of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays.