Troponin Elevation in Critically Ill Patients Is Associated with Worse Prognosis

Mortality increase is similar to that seen in ischemic coronary syndrome.

Cardiac troponin levels are often elevated in critically ill patients, even in those without known acute coronary syndromes. These authors conducted a meta-analysis to determine the extent and import of troponin elevations in critically ill patients in intensive care.

Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria, yielding data from 4492 patients with diagnoses ranging from hemorrhagic shock to sepsis. The frequency of elevated troponin levels ranged from 12% to 85%, with a median of 43%. Troponin elevation was associated with a 3-day increase in the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Mortality was significantly higher in patients with elevated troponin levels than in those without (37.1% vs. 13.6%; adjusted odds ratio, 2.53).

The au…

Reviewing Author

J. Stephen Bohan, MD, MS, FACP, FACEP