Correlation of cardiac troponin T levels with inotrope requirement,hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy,and survival in asphyxiated neonates

BACKGROUND Cardiac involvement in neonates with perinatal asphyxia not only complicates perinatal management but also contributes to increased mortality.AIM To assess cardiac troponin T(cTnT)levels in asphyxiated neonates and their correlation with echocardiography findings,inotrope requirement,hypoxicischemic encephalopathy(HIE)stages,and mortality.METHODS cTnT levels,echocardiographic findings,the requirement of inotropes,HIE stages,and outcome were studied in neonates of gestational age≥34 wk with perinatal asphyxia.RESULTS Among 57 neonates with perinatal asphyxia,male gender,cesarean section,forceps/vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery and late preterm included 33(57.9%),23(40.4%),3(5.3%),and 12(21.1%)respectively.The mean gestational age was 38.4 wk(1.6 wk).HIE stages I,II,and III were observed in 7(12.3%),37(64.9%),and 9(15.8%)neonates respectively.26(45.6%)neonates had echocardiographic changes and 19(33.3%)required inotropes.cTnT levels were elevated in 41(71.9%)neonates[median(IQR);0.285(0.211-0.422)ng/mL].The Median cTnT level showed an increasing trend with increasing changes in echocardiography(P=0.002).Two neonates with mitral regurgitation and global hypokinesia had the highest cTnT levels(1.99 and 0.651 ng/mL).Of 31 neonates with normal echocardiography,18(58.06%)showed elevated cTnT.cTnT levels were significantly higher in those who required inotropic support than those who did not(P=0.007).Neonates with HIE stage III had significantly higher cTnT levels compared to those with HIE stage I/II(P=0.013).Survivors had lower median cTnT levels[0.210(0.122-0.316)ng/mL]than who succumbed[0.597(0.356-1.146)ng/mL].CONCLUSION cTnT levels suggestive of cardiac involvement were observed in 71.9%of asphyxiated neonates.cTnT levels correlated with echocardiography findings,inotrope requirement,HIE stages,and mortality.