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Maayah M, Grubman S, Allen S, Ye Z, Park DY, Vemmou E, Gokhan I, Sun WW, Possick S, Kwan JM, Gandhi PU, Hu JR. Clinical Interpretation of Serum Troponin in the Era of High-Sensitivity Testing. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:503. [PMID: 38472975 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14050503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiac troponin (Tn) plays a central role in the evaluation of patients with angina presenting with acute coronary syndrome. The advent of high-sensitivity assays has improved the analytic sensitivity and precision of serum Tn measurement, but this advancement has come at the cost of poorer specificity. The role of clinical judgment is of heightened importance because, more so than ever, the interpretation of serum Tn elevation hinges on the careful integration of findings from electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, physical exam, interview, and other imaging and laboratory data to formulate a weighted differential diagnosis. A thorough understanding of the epidemiology, mechanisms, and prognostic implications of Tn elevations in each cardiac and non-cardiac etiology allows the clinician to better distinguish between presentations of myocardial ischemia and myocardial injury-an important discernment to make, as the treatment of acute coronary syndrome is vastly different from the workup and management of myocardial injury and should be directed at the underlying cause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marah Maayah
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Scott Grubman
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Stephanie Allen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Zachary Ye
- Department of Internal Medicine, Temple University Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Dae Yong Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cook County Hospital, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Evangelia Vemmou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Ilhan Gokhan
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Wendy W Sun
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Stephen Possick
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Jennifer M Kwan
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Parul U Gandhi
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Cardiology, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Health Care System, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Jiun-Ruey Hu
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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Hinton J, Mariathas MN, Gabara L, Allan R, Nicholas Z, Kwok CS, Ramamoorthy S, Calver A, Corbett S, Jabbour RJ, Mahmoudi M, Rawlins J, Sirohi R, Wilkinson JR, Cook P, Martin GP, Mamas MA, Curzen N. Association between troponin level and medium-term mortality in 20 000 hospital patients. Heart 2023; 109:1772-1777. [PMID: 37550072 DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2023-322463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cardiac troponin (cTn) concentrations above the manufacturer recommended upper limit of normal (ULN) are frequently seen in hospital patients without a clinical presentation consistent with type 1 myocardial infarction, and the significance of this is uncertain. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between medium-term mortality and cTn concentration in a large consecutive hospital population, regardless of whether there was a clinical indication for performing the test. METHOD This prospective observational study included 20 000 consecutive in-hospital and outpatient patients who had a blood test for any reason at a large teaching hospital, and in whom a hs-cTnI assay was measured, regardless of the original clinical indication. Mortality was obtained via NHS Digital. RESULTS A total of 20 000 patients were included in the analysis and 18 282 of these (91.4%) did not have a clinical indication for cardiac troponin I (cTnI) testing. Overall, 2825 (14.1%) patients died at a median of 809 days. The mortality was significantly higher if the cTnI concentration was above the ULN (45.3% vs 12.3% p<0.001 log rank). Multivariable Cox analysis demonstrated that the log10 cTnI concentration was independently associated with mortality (HR 1.76 (95% CI 1.65 to 1.88)). Landmark analysis, excluding deaths within 30 days, showed the relationship between cTnI concentration and mortality persisted. CONCLUSION In a large, unselected hospital population, in 91.4% of whom there was no clinical indication for testing, cTnI concentration was independently associated with medium-term cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality in the statistical model tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Hinton
- University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Cardiology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Mark Nihal Mariathas
- University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Cardiology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Lavinia Gabara
- University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Cardiology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Rick Allan
- Biochemistry, University Hospital Southampton NHD Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK, Southampton, UK
| | - Zoe Nicholas
- Cardiology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Chun Shing Kwok
- Cardiovascular Research Group, Keele University, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
| | - Sanjay Ramamoorthy
- Emergency Department, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Alison Calver
- Cardiology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Simon Corbett
- Cardiology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Richard J Jabbour
- Cardiology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Michael Mahmoudi
- Cardiology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - John Rawlins
- Cardiology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Rohit Sirohi
- Cardiology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Paul Cook
- Biochemistry, University Hospital Southampton NHD Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK, Southampton, UK
| | - Glen Philip Martin
- Farr Institute, University of Manchester Institute of Population Health, Manchester, UK
| | - Mamas A Mamas
- Cardiovascular Research Group, Keele University, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
- Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Nick Curzen
- University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Cardiology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
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Rafiudeen R, Barlis P, White HD, van Gaal W. Type 2 MI and Myocardial Injury in the Era of High-sensitivity Troponin. Eur Cardiol 2022; 17:e03. [PMID: 35284006 PMCID: PMC8900132 DOI: 10.15420/ecr.2021.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Troponin has been the cornerstone of the definition of MI since its introduction to clinical practice. High-sensitivity troponin has allowed clinicians to detect degrees of myocardial damage at orders of magnitude smaller than previously and is challenging the definitions of MI, with implications for patient management and prognosis. Detection and diagnosis are no doubt enhanced by the greater sensitivity afforded by these markers, but perhaps at the expense of specificity and clarity. This review focuses on the definitions, pathophysiology, prognosis, prevention and management of type 2 MI and myocardial injury. The five types of MI were first defined in 2007 and were recently updated in 2018 in the fourth universal definition of MI. The authors explore how this pathophysiological classification is used in clinical practice, and discuss some of the unanswered questions in this era of availability of high-sensitivity troponin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rifly Rafiudeen
- Department of Cardiology, The Northern Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Peter Barlis
- Department of Cardiology, The Northern Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Harvey D White
- Green Lane Cardiovascular Service, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - William van Gaal
- Department of Cardiology, The Northern Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Relation of High-Sensitivity Troponin to 1 Year Mortality in 20,000 Consecutive Hospital Patients Undergoing a Blood Test for Any Reason. Am J Cardiol 2021; 158:124-131. [PMID: 34470704 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2021.07.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
This was an observational study of the 1-year outcomes of the 20,000 patients included in the original CHARIOT study. The aim of the study was to assess the association between high sensitivity troponin I (hs-cTnI) concentration and 1 year mortality in this cohort. The original CHARIOT study included a consecutive cohort of in- and out-patients undergoing blood tests for any reason. Hs-cTnI concentrations were measured regardless of whether the clinician requested them. These results were nested and not revealed to the team unless requested for clinical reasons. One year mortality data was obtained from NHS Digital as originally planned. Overall, 1782 (8.9%) patients had died at 1 year. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that a hs-cTnI concentration above the upper limit of normal was independently associated with the hazard of mortality (HR 2.23; 95% confidence intervals 1.97 to 2.52). Furthermore, the log (10) hs-cTnI concentration was independently associated with the hazard of 1 year mortality (HR 1.77; 95% confidence intervals 1.64 to 1.91). In conclusion, in a large, unselected hospital population of both in- and out-patients, in 18,282 (91.4%) of whom there was no clinical indication for testing, hs-cTnI concentration was associated with 1 year mortality.
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Distribution of High-Sensitivity Troponin Taken Without Conventional Clinical Indications in Critical Care Patients and Its Association With Mortality. Crit Care Med 2021; 49:1451-1459. [PMID: 33852443 DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0000000000005024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the distribution of high-sensitivity troponin in a consecutive cohort of patients in critical care units, regardless of clinical indication, and its association with clinical outcomes. DESIGN Prospective observational study. SETTING Single-center teaching hospital. PATIENTS Consecutive patients admitted to two adult critical care units (general critical care unit and neuroscience critical care unit) over a 6-month period. INTERVENTIONS All patients had high-sensitivity troponin tests performed at admission and tracked throughout their critical care stay, regardless of whether the supervising team felt there was a clinical indication. The results were not revealed to patients or clinicians unless clinically requested. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS There were 1,033 patients in the study cohort (general critical care unit 750 and neuroscience critical care unit 283). The median high-sensitivity troponin was 21 ng/L (interquartile range, 7-86 ng/L), with 560 patients (54.2%) above the upper limit of normal as defined by the manufacturer. Admission high-sensitivity troponin concentrations above the upper limit of normal in general critical care unit and neuroscience critical care unit were associated with increasing age, comorbidity, markers of illness severity, and the need for organ support. On adjusted analysis, the high-sensitivity troponin concentration remained an independent predictor of critical care mortality in general critical care unit and neuroscience critical care unit. CONCLUSIONS High-sensitivity troponin elevation, taken outside the context of conventional clinical indications, was common in the critically ill. Such elevations were associated with increasing age, comorbidity, illness severity, and the need for organ support. Admission high-sensitivity troponin concentration is an independent predictor of critical care mortality and as such may represent a novel prognostic biomarker at admission.
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Hinton J, Gabara L, Curzen N. Is the true clinical value of high-sensitivity troponins as a biomarker of risk? The concept that detection of high-sensitivity troponin 'never means nothing'. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2020; 18:843-857. [PMID: 32966128 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2020.1828063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION High-sensitivity troponin (hs-cTn) assays are central to the diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI). Their increased sensitivity has facilitated rapid pathways for the exclusion of MI. However, hs-cTn is now more readily detectable in patients without symptoms typical of MI, in whom a degree of myocardial injury is assumed. Recently, the practice of using the 99th centile of hs-cTn as a working 'upper reference limit' has been challenged. There is increasing evidence that hs-cTn may provide useful prognostic information, regardless of any suspicion of MI, and as such these assays may have potential as a general biomarker for mortality. This raises the concept that detection of hs-cTn 'never means nothing.' AREAS COVERED In this review, we will evaluate the evidence for the use of hs-cTn assays outside their common clinical indication to rule out or diagnose acute MI. EXPERT OPINION The data presented suggest that hs-cTn testing may in the future have a generalized role as a biomarker of mortality risk and may be used less as a test for ruling in acute MI, but will remain a frontline test to exclude that diagnosis in ED. Further, the data suggest that the detection of hs-cTn 'never means nothing.'
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Hinton
- Coronary Research Group, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust , Southampton, UK.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton , Southampton, UK
| | - Lavinia Gabara
- Coronary Research Group, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust , Southampton, UK.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton , Southampton, UK
| | - Nick Curzen
- Coronary Research Group, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust , Southampton, UK.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton , Southampton, UK
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Hinton J, Mariathas M, Grocott MPW, Curzen N. High sensitivity troponin measurement in critical care: Flattering to deceive or 'never means nothing'? J Intensive Care Soc 2020; 21:232-240. [PMID: 32782463 PMCID: PMC7401433 DOI: 10.1177/1751143719870095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Troponin elevation is central to the diagnosis of acute type 1 myocardial infarction. It is, however, elevated in a range of other conditions, including type 2 myocardial infarction, and this setting is increasingly associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Patients within intensive care frequently have at least one organ failure together with a range of co-morbidities. Interpretation of troponin assay results in this population is challenging. This clinical uncertainty is compounded by the introduction of ever more sensitive troponin assays. AREAS COVERED The aims of this review are to (a) describe the currently available literature about the use of troponin assays in intensive care, (b) analyse the challenges presented by the introduction of increasingly sensitive troponin assays and (c) assess whether the role of troponin assays in intensive care may change in the future, dependent upon recent and ongoing research suggesting that they are predictive of outcome regardless of the underlying cause: the 'never means nothing' hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Hinton
- Coronary Research Group,
University
Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust,
Southampton, UK
| | - Mark Mariathas
- Coronary Research Group,
University
Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust,
Southampton, UK
| | - Michael PW Grocott
- Faculty of Medicine, University of
Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Anaesthesia and Critical Care Group,
Southampton NIHR Biomedical Research Centre,
University
Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust /
University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Nick Curzen
- Coronary Research Group,
University
Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust,
Southampton, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, University of
Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Lippi G, Cervellin G, Sanchis-Gomar F. Predicting mortality with cardiac troponins: recent insights from meta-analyses. Diagnosis (Berl) 2019; 8:37-49. [DOI: 10.1515/dx-2019-0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The introduction of cardiac troponin (cTn) testing in clinical practice has been one of the most important breakthroughs that have occurred in the recent history of laboratory medicine. Although it is now uncontestable that cTn values are essential for diagnosing acute coronary syndrome (ACS), solid evidence is also emerging that assessment of either cardiac troponin I (cTnI) or T (cTnT) may provide valuable prognostic information in the general healthy population, as well as in patients with a vast array of cardiac and extra-cardiac diseases. We have hence performed a critical review of the scientific literature for identifying meta-analyses which have investigated the potential contribution of cTns in predicting the risk of death in health and disease. According to the articles identified with our research, we can conclude that increased cTn values may be considered independent risk factors for all-cause mortality in the general population, as well as in patients with ACS, in those undergoing revascularization procedures, or with stable coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF). Measurement of cTn may then be helpful for stratifying the mortality risk in non-cardiac hospitalized patients, in those with critical illness or sepsis, syncope, stroke, acute aortic dissection, pulmonary diseases, brain injury, renal failure, vascular and non-cardiac surgery. Although this evidence has notable clinical implications, the cost-effectiveness of population screening with high-sensitivity (hs) cTn immunoassays has not been proven so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Lippi
- Section of Clinical Biochemistry , University of Verona , Piazzale LA Scuro , 37134 Verona , Italy
| | | | - Fabian Sanchis-Gomar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine , University of Valencia and INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute , Valencia , Spain
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