Elevated cardiac troponins in sepsis: what do they signify?

Serum troponins are sensitive markers used to diagnose acute coronary syndrome in association with signs and symptoms of chest pain and EKG changes. Cardiac troponins are elevated in 85% of patients with sepsis in the absence of acute coronary syndrome. Small studies have shown that elevated troponin levels identify patients with sepsis who are at increased risk of mortality. The purpose of this study was to (1) identify the outcome of cardiac troponin positive sepsis patients in our hospital, (2) determine whether the traditional cardiac risk factors predispose septic patients for positive troponin and (3) evaluate the cardiac interventions done for troponin positive patients.

In our study, patients with elevated troponins had a higher mortality. Hypertension (HTN) and Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) increased the risk of mortality in troponin positive patients. Several interventions were performed including medications, echocardiogram, and cardiology consultation. Treatment medications did not improve mortality rates.