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- Eggers, Kai M, et al.
(author)
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A novel approach to cardiac troponins to improve the diagnostic work-up in chest pain patients
- 2012
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In: Critical Pathways in Cardiology. - 1535-282X .- 1535-2811. ; 11:4, s. 199-205
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In patients with acute chest pain, current guidelines recommend serial measurements of cardiac troponins at predefined and partly late time points. Consequently, diagnostic assessment in these patients tends to be lengthy and often results in unnecessary admissions. We, therefore, evaluated whether an approach integrating troponin results into the clinical context provided by the individual patient's presentation might facilitate the early diagnostic work-up. In 197 chest pain patients, cardiac troponin I (cTnI; Stratus CS) was measured serially within 12 hours after hospital admission. In patient cohorts with different chances of having myocardial infarction (MI) according to clinical data, electrocardiographic findings, and admission biomarker results, pretest probabilities for MI were calculated and compared with posttest probabilities derived from subsequent cTnI results after admission. Elevated cTnI levels at 1 to 2 hours after admission revealed ≥95.0% posttest probabilities for MI in cohorts with intermediate or high chances of having MI. The posttest probabilities for the absence of MI were 94.7% to 98.2% in cohorts with low or intermediate chances of having MI when cTnI was negative at 2 hours. Troponin testing considering the individual patient's pretest probability of MI seems, in conclusion, to provide clinically useful information already 1 to 2 hours after admission. Such an approach has the potential to identify both patient cohorts in whom early discharge or admittance for further evaluation would be appropriate. This could facilitate the early diagnostic work-up of chest pain patients, thereby improving patient flow and reducing overcrowding in healthcare facilities.
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| 2. |
- Govind, Satish C, et al.
(author)
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Role of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction : experience from a tertiary centre in India.
- 2011
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In: Critical Pathways in Cardiology. - 1535-282X .- 1535-2811. ; 10:4, s. 180-184
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Role of biomarkers in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is paramount, as they aid in diagnosis and gauge prognosis of the disease. In this project, we sought to study the short-term outcome and clinical associates of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in the setting of STEMI at a tertiary center in India. METHODS: In all, 173 STEMI patients (mean age: 57 ± 12 years, 38 women) had their NT-proBNP assayed in addition to troponins and high-sensitive C-reactive protein. Subjects were divided according to NT-proBNP levels into 2 groups: group 1 (NT-proBNP ≤100 pg/mL) and group 2 (NT-proBNP >100 pg/mL). RESULTS: NT-proBNP values (pg/mL) were elevated in group 2 (group 1: 61.7 ± 6.2; group 2: 1006.5 ± 990.6, P < 0.0001). Significantly greater number of females had elevated NT-proBNP (P < 0.05) that could be predicted by the duration of chest pain related to STEMI (area under the curve: 0.72), and age at presentation (area under the curve: 0.66). Multiple regression analysis showed a strong inverse association between NT-proBNP and left ventricular ejection fraction and a strong positive association between the peptide and high-sensitive C-reactive protein. A significant positive association was also noted between NT-proBNP and troponin I (all P < 0.05, Global R = 0.47). Diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension, and infarction localization showed no effect on NT-proBNP levels along with death, primary coronary intervention-related bleeding, and arrhythmias, (χ, P = ns). CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that women are more likely to have increased NT-proBNP while presenting with STEMI. Duration of chest pain and age at presentation are the best predictors of elevated NT-proBNP, though without much bearing on short-term morbidity and mortality.
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