Related Experiment Videos

Serum cardiac troponin-T as a prognostic marker in septic shock

Tanarat Choon-ngarm1, Pailin Partpisanu

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Rajavithi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.

Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet Thangphaet
|January 13, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Elevated cardiac troponin T (cTnT) in septic shock indicates higher mortality. This study found cTnT elevation in 42.5% of patients, correlating with increased risk of death in severe sepsis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Intensive Care Medicine
  • Biomarker Research

Background:

  • Cardiac troponins are established biomarkers of myocardial injury.
  • Sepsis and septic shock are critical conditions that can lead to cardiac damage.
  • The clinical significance of elevated cardiac troponin T (cTnT) in septic shock requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the prognostic value of elevated cardiac troponin T (cTnT) in patients with septic shock.
  • To determine the association between cTnT levels and mortality in septic shock patients.

Main Methods:

  • Serum cTnT levels were measured in 40 patients diagnosed with septic shock.
  • Patients with acute myocardial infarction were excluded using clinical, ECG, and enzyme criteria.
  • Mortality rates were compared between cTnT-positive and cTnT-negative groups.

Main Results:

  • Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) was elevated in 17 patients (42.5%) and not elevated in 23 patients (57.5%).
  • The overall mortality rate was 70% (28 deaths), with 30% survival.
  • cTnT-positive patients exhibited a significantly higher mortality rate (p<0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Elevated cTnT levels in septic shock patients may serve as a marker for illness severity.
  • Higher cTnT levels are associated with increased mortality risk in septic shock.
  • cTnT could be a valuable prognostic indicator in the management of septic shock.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers01:20

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers

Cardiac biomarkers are enzymes, proteins, and hormones released into the blood when cardiac cells are injured. They are powerful tools for triaging.
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers01:19

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers

Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis III: Medical Management

Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...