Mild COVID-19 induces early, quantifiable, persistent troponin I elevations in elder men
Justus J Bürgi1, Matthias Rösslein2,3, Oliver Nolte1,3
1Center for Laboratory Medicine, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
|December 19, 2022
Summary
COVID-19 infection can cause long-term troponin I elevation in older men, indicating potential ongoing heart muscle injury. This cardiac biomarker remained elevated for 14 months post-infection in this vulnerable group.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Elderly men face higher morbidity from COVID-19.
- Long-term troponin I data in mild/moderate COVID-19 outpatients is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess troponin I levels over an extended period in COVID-19 convalescents.
- To evaluate long-term cardiac biomarker changes in mild to moderate COVID-19 cases.
Main Methods:
- Controlled cohort study including PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients and negative controls.
- Weekly blood draws for the first month, then at 8 weeks, and long-term follow-up.
- 54 COVID-19 patients followed for 14 months; 115 controls included.
Main Results:
- Troponin I levels significantly increased in men over 54 years old until week 9 post-infection.
- Elevated troponin I persisted for 14 months in this demographic, irrespective of comorbidities.
- Other biomarkers like ALT, Creatinine, BNP, and D-Dimer did not differ from controls.
Conclusions:
- Elevated hs troponin I in older men post-COVID-19 suggests potential long-term, low-grade myocardial injury.
- Further research is needed to determine clinical significance and structural cardiac changes.
- Focus on elderly patients and prolonged observation is crucial for understanding long-term cardiac effects.
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