Troponins in acute kidney injury
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

A Large Animal Model for Acute Kidney Injury by Temporary Bilateral Renal Artery Occlusion
Published on: February 2, 2021
David Song1, Janak R de Zoysa, Alvin Ng
1Department of Chemical Pathology, Labplus, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand. dsong@adhb.govt.nz
Insights
Acute kidney injury (AKI) can elevate cardiac troponin levels, even without other heart conditions. This study shows impaired kidney function directly impacts troponin measurements in AKI patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Cardiac troponins are key biomarkers for myocardial injury.
- Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common and can affect cardiac biomarker levels.
- Previous studies suggest a link between kidney function and troponin levels, but often in chronic settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and describe cardiac troponin levels in patients presenting with acute kidney injury (AKI).
- To determine if AKI, independent of other confounders, influences troponin measurements.
- To compare troponin I, troponin T, and creatine kinase-MB (CKMB) in AKI patients.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study in a tertiary hospital setting.
- Measurement of troponin I, troponin T, and CKMB in subjects with AKI.
- Exclusion of patients with known causes of elevated troponin levels to isolate the effect of AKI.
Main Results:
- Six out of nineteen AKI subjects exhibited elevated troponin I and T levels (above 99th percentile).
- High concordance was observed between troponin I and troponin T results.
- Concordance between elevated troponin and CKMB was lower (45%).
- Factors associated with elevated troponin included age >60, abnormal ECG, and prior ischemic heart disease.
Conclusions:
- This study provides evidence that acute kidney injury, without confounding factors, can lead to elevated cardiac troponin levels.
- Impaired renal function appears to influence plasma troponin levels in AKI.
- Findings suggest a similar impact of renal function on troponin levels in both acute and chronic kidney disease.
Aim:
To investigate and describe cardiac troponins in subjects with acute kidney injury (AKI).
Methods:
A prospective observational study of troponin in subjects presenting with AKI in a tertiary hospital. Creatine kinase-MB (CKMB), troponin I (Abbott Laboratories), and troponin T (Roche 4th generation) were measured. Patients with conditions known to cause elevated troponin levels were excluded.
Results:
Nineteen subjects were enrolled in the study. Six subjects had troponin I and T concentrations above the 99th percentile of a reference population. There was high concordance of result between troponin I and troponin T. However, the concordance of elevated troponin levels with CKMB was less marked at 45%. Statistically significant factors associated with elevated troponin levels were age over 60 years, abnormal electrocardiogram, and history of previous ischemic heart disease.
Conclusion:
This is the first study able to demonstrate impaired renal function occurring acutely, without known confounders, results in elevated troponin levels. This suggests that impaired renal function disease influences plasma troponin levels in AKI as well as in chronic kidney failure.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Kidney Injury I: Introduction
Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology
Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care
Acute Kidney Injury VI: Nursing Management
