Elevation of High-sensitive Troponin T Predicts Mortality After Open Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Open pancreaticoduodenectomy has a high complication and measurable mortality rate. Recent reports (based across multiple surgical disciplines) demonstrate that elevated postoperative high sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT) predicts adverse outcomes in non-cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative hsTnT as a prognostic marker of mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), post-operative non-cardiac complications and length of stay (including intensive care stay) in open pancreaticoduodenectomy.

A retrospective review of open pancreaticoduodenectomy patients was undertaken from 01/10/2017-31/03/2019. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated to identify ideal cut-off values for hsTnT. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to scrutinize the relationship between mean hsTnT and 30-day, 90-day mortality, MACE, post-operative non-cardiac complications and length of stay.

One hundred and nine patients were identified. ROC curves demonstrated a strong correlation between elevated mean hsTnT and 30-day, 90-day mortality and MACE (AUC = 0.937, AUC = 0.852, AUC = 0.779, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed mean hsTnT > 21 ng/l was significantly associated with 90-day mortality (OR 43.928, p = 0.004) and MACE (OR 8.177, p = 0.048).

HsTnT is predictive of mortality and MACE in the context of open pancreaticoduodenectomy. Association between hsTnT and prolonged critical care stay was less significant. Non-cardiac complications and length of stay show no significant association with hsTnT.