An electrochemiluminescent magneto-immunosensor for ultrasensitive detection of hs-cTnI on a microfluidic chip

Sensitive detection and precise quantitation of trace-level crucial biomarkers in a complex sample matrix has become an important area of research.For example,the detection of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) is strongly recommended in clinical guidelines for early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction.Based on the use of an electrode modified by single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and a Ru(bpy)32+-doped silica nanoparticle (Ru@SiO2)/tripropylamine (TPA) system,a novel type of electrochemiluminescent (ECL) magnetoimmunosensor is developed for ultrasensitive detection of hs-cTnI.In this approach,a large amount of[Ru(bpy)3]2+is loaded in SiO2(silica nanoparticles) as luminophores with high luminescent efficiency and SWCNTs as electrode surface modification material with excellent electrooxidation ability for TPA.Subsequently,a hierarchical micropillar array of microstructures is fabricated with a magnet placed at each end to efficiently confine a single layer of immunomagnetic microbeads on the surface of the electrode and enable 7.5-fold signal enhancement In particular,the use of transparent SWCNTs to modify a transparent ITO electrode provides a two-order-of-magnitude ECL signal amplification.A good linear calibration curve is developed for hs-cTnI concentrations over a wide range from 10 fg/ml to 10 ng/ml,with the limit of detection calculated as 8.720 fg/ml (S/N=3).This ultrasensitive immunosensor exhibits superior detection performance with remarkable stability,reproducibility,and selectivity.Satisfactory recoveries are obtained in the detection of hs-cTnI in human serum,providing a potentia analysis protocol for clinical applications.

The combination of creatine kinase-myocardial band isoenzyme and point-of-care cardiac troponin/contemporary cardiac troponin for the early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND:The early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction(AMI)remains challenging,especially for institutions without the high-sensitive cardiac troponin(hs-c Tn)assay.Herein,we aim to assess the value of creatine kinase-myocardial band isoenzyme(CK-MB)combined with different cardiac troponin(c Tn)assays in AMI diagnosis.METHODS:This multicenter,observational study included 3,706 patients with acute chest pain from September 1,2015,to September 30,2017.We classified the participants into three groups according to the c Tn assays:the point-of-care c Tn(POC-c Tn)group,the contemporary c Tn(c-c Tn)group,and hs-c Tn group.The diagnostic value was quantified using sensitivity and the area under the curve(AUC).RESULTS:Compared to the single POC-c Tn/c-c Tn assays,combining CK-MB and POC-c Tn/c-c Tn increased the diagnostic sensitivity of AMI(56.1%vs.63.9%,P<0.001;82.7%vs.84.3%,P=0.025).In contrast,combining CK-MB and hs-c Tn did not change the sensitivity compared with hs-c Tn alone(95.0%vs.95.0%,P>0.999).In the subgroup analysis,the sensitivity of combining CKMB and c-c Tn increased with time from symptom onset<6 h compared with c-c Tn alone(72.8%vs.75.0%,P=0.046),while the sensitivity did not increase with time from symptom onset>6 h(97.5%vs.98.3%,P=0.317).The AUC of the combination of CK-MB and POC-c Tn significantly increased compared to the single POC-c Tn assay(0.776 vs.0.750,P=0.002).The AUC of the combined CKMB and c-c Tn/hs-c Tn assays did not significantly decrease compared with that of the single c-c Tn/hs-c Tn assays within 6 h.CONCLUSIONS:The combination of CK-MB and POC-c Tn or c-c Tn may be valuable for the early diagnosis of AMI,especially when hs-c Tn is not available.

Characteristics of elevated cardiac troponin I in patients with acute ischemic stroke

Objective To study prognostic characteristics of cardiac troponin I （cTnI） elevation in acute ischemic stroke. Methods We retrospectively studied patients （n = 248） with acute ischemic stroke, acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, and acute non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction who were treated between January 2013 and October 2015. Baseline demographic data and changes in cTnI levels among these three groups were compared. Patients with acute ischemic stroke were assigned to either the cTnI elevation group （cTnI 〉 0.034 ng/mL） or the no cTnI elevation group （cTnI ≤ 0.034 ng/mL）. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors associated with elevated serum cTnI in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Moreover, the duration of hospital stay and incidence of major cardiovascular outcomes were compared in patients with acute ischemic stroke, with or without elevated cTnI. Results In this study population of patients with acute ischemic stroke （n = 178）, acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction （n = 35）, and acute non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction （n = 35）, patients with acute ischemic stroke with elevated cTnI comprised 18.54% of subjects. Patients with elevated cTnI were older and more likely to have a history of hypertension. In addition, these patients had higher levels of inflammatory markers, reduced renal functions, increased D-dimer levels, higher NIH stroke scores, and lower left ventricular ejection fractions. Logistic regression analysis showed that both percentage of neutrophil and NIH stroke scores were elevated; estimated glomerular filtration rate and left ventricular ejection fraction were decreased in patients with acute ischemic stroke who had elevated cTnI, and they had more frequent major cardiovascular events during hospital stay. Conclusion Elevated cTnI detected in patients with acute ischemic stroke, indicated a greater likelihood of poor short-term prognosis during hospital stay.

Comparison of plasma microRNA-1 and cardiac troponin T in early diagnosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND:Early reperfusion can effectively treat acute myocardial infarction(AMI) and reduce the mortality signif icantly. This study aimed to compare the role of plasma microRNA-1(miR-1) and cardiac troponin T(cTnT) in early diagnosis of AMI patients.METHODS:From May 2011 to May 2012,plasma samples were collected from 56 AMI patients and 28 non-AMI controls. The expression of plasma miR-1 was measured by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR),and the level of plasma cTnT was measured using electrochemiluminescence-based methods on an Elecsys 2010 Immunoassay Analyzer. SPSS 16.0 was used for the statistical analysis of the results. Data were expressed as mean±standard deviation unless otherwise described. The differences about clinical characteristics between the AMI patients and controls were tested using Student's t test or Fisher's exact test. The Mann-Whitney U test was conducted to compare the expression of microRNAs between the AMI patients and controls. MicroRNAs expression between different intervals of the AMI patients was compared using Wilcoxon's signed-rank test. The receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve was established to discriminate the AMI patients from the controls.RESULTS:In the present study,the expression of plasma miR-1 was signifi cantly increased in the AMI patients compared with the healthy controls(P<0.01). The plasma miR-1 in the AMI patients decreased to the normal level at 14 days(P>0.05). The expression of plasma miR-1 was not related to the clinical characteristics of the study population(P>0.05). ROC curve analyses demonstrated that miR-1 was specifi c and sensitive for the early diagnosis of AMI,but not superior to cTnT.CONCLUSION:Plasma miR-1 could be used in the early diagnosis of AMI,but it is similar to cTnT.

A MXene-functionalized paper-based electrochemical immunosensor for label-free detection of cardiac troponin I

Convenient,rapid,and accurate detection of cardiac troponin I(cTnI)is crucial in early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction(AMI).A paper-based electrochemical immunosensor is a promising choice in this field,because of the flexibility,porosity,and cost-efficacy of the paper.However,paper is poor in electronic conductivity and surface functionality.Herein,we report a paper-based electrochemical immunosensor for the label-free detection of cTnI with the working electrode modified by MXene(Ti_(3)C_(2))nanosheets.In order to immobilize the bio-receptor(anti-cTnI)on the MXene-modified working electrode,the MXene nanosheets were functionalized by aminosilane,and the functionalized MXene was immobilized onto the surface of the working electrode through Nafion.The large surface area of the MXene nanosheets facilitates the immobilization of antibodies,and the excellent conductivity facilitates the electron transfer between the electrochemical species and the underlying electrode surface.As a result,the paper-based immunosensor could detect cTnI within a wide range of 5-100 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.58 ng/mL.The immunosensor also shows outstanding selectivity and good repeatability.Our MXene-modified paper-based electrochemical immunosensor enables fast and sensitive detection of cTnI,which may be used in real-time and cost-efficient monitoring of AMI diseases in clinics.

Is overhydration in peritoneal dialysis patients associated with cardiac mortality that might be reversible?

AIMTo study the relationship between overhydration （OH） in peritoneal dialysis （PD） patients and cardiac mortality.METHODSOH, as measured by body composition monitor （BCM）, is associated with increased mortality in dialysis pa-tients. BCM has been used to guide treatment on the assumption that correcting OH will improve cardiac morbidity and mortality although data demonstrating causality that is reversible is limited. We wished to determine if OH in PD patients predicted cardiac mor-tality, and if there was a correlation between OH and cardiac troponin-T （cTnT） levels. Finally, we wished to determine if improving OH values would lead to a decrement in cTnT. All prevalent PD patients over the study period of 57 mo who had contemporaneous BCM and cTnT measurements were followed irrespective of transplantation or PD technique failure. We also studied a cohort of patients with who had severe OH （〉 ＋2L）.The Fresenius Body Composition Monitor was used to obtain hydration parameters. cTnT levels were done as part of routine clinical care. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20.0.RESULTSThere were 48 deaths in the 336 patients. The patients that died from cardiac or non-cardiac causes were similar with respect to their age, incidence of diabetes mellitus, gender, ethnicity and cause of renal failure. However, the patients with cardiac causes of death had significantly shorter dialysis vintage （10.3 mo vs 37.0 mo, P 〈 0.0001） and were significantly more overhydrated by BCM measurement （2.95 L vs 1.35 L, P 〈 0.05）. The mean （standard error of the means） hydration status of the 336 patients was ＋1.15 （0.12） L and the median [interquartile range （IQR）] cTnT level was 43.5 （20-90） ng/L. The cTnT results were not normally distributed and were therefore transformed logarithmically. There was a statistically significant correlation between Log （cTnT） with the OH value （Spearman r value 0.425, P 〈 0.0001）. We identifed a sub-group of patients that were severely overhydrated; median （IQR） hydration at baseline was ＋2.7 （2.3 to 3.7） L. They were followed up for a minimum of 6 mo. Reduction in OH values in these patients over 6 mo correlated with lowering of cTnT levels （Spearman r value 0.29, P 〈 0.02）. CONCLUSIONPatients that were overhydrated had higher cTnT, and had deaths that were more likely to be cardiac related. Reduction in OH correlated with lowering of cTnT.

Effect of Cardioplegia for Myocardial Protection in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery:A Network Meta-Analysis

Cardioplegia has been widely used to reduce myocardial injury during pediatric cardiac surgery;however,which cardioplegia solution has the best protective effect has not been established.Thus,we compared the myocardial protective effects of different cardioplegia solutions used in pediatric cardiac surgery.Seven databases were searched to identify the relevant randomized controlled trials.A network meta-analysis with a Bayesian framework was conducted.The outcomes included the following biochemical and clinical outcomes:serum concentrations of the creatine kinase-myocardial band at 6 h postoperatively;cardiac troponin I(cTnI)at 4,12,and 24 h postoperatively;spontaneous beating after declamping;postoperative arrhythmias;inotropic support percentage and duration;mechanical ventilation hours;intensive care unit stay in days;hospital stay in days;and mortality.The group treated with cold crystalloid cardioplegia(cCCP)was chosen as the control group.The 22 studies involved 1529 patients.Six types of cardioplegia solutions were described in these studies,including cold blood cardioplegia,cCCP,del Nido,histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate(HTK),terminal warm blood cardioplegia,and warm blood cardioplegia(wBCP).The serum concentrations of the 24-h cTnI with wBCP(MD=−2.52,95%CI:−4.74 to−0.27)was significantly lower than cCCP.The serum concentrations of the 24-h cTnI with HTK(MD=4.91,95%CI:2.84–7.24)was significantly higher than cCCP.There was no significant difference in other biochemical and clinical outcomes when compared to cCCP.In conclusion,wBCP may have a superior myocardial protective effect with lower 24-h cTnI levels postoperatively and similar clinical outcomes after pediatric cardiac surgery.

Impact of training specificity on exercise-induced cardiac troponin elevation in professional athletes: A pilot study

BACKGROUND Release of cardiac biomarkers is common after strenuous endurance exercise,but data on intermittent exercise are scarce.It has not been investigated whether cardiac troponin elevation is influenced depending on the type of exercise that an athlete is adapted to perform.We hypothesized that intermittent but not continuous exercise induces cardiac troponin elevation in professional athletes adapted to high-intensity intermittent exercise.AIM To examine how training specificity impacts high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T(hs-cTnT)release.METHODS Nine professional floorball players participated in the study,which comprised two different exercise tests:a continuous incremental cycle ergometer test and a Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery 2(Yo-Yo IR2)test.Serial assessment of hs-cTnT was performed after the cycle ergometer test and the Yo-Yo IR2 test(baseline,0,2,6,and 24 h).RESULTS No hs-cTnT elevation above the myocardial damage cutoff(≥14 ng/L)was shown after the cycle ergometer test,whereas hs-cTnT levels rose over the cutoff in three of nine participants after the Yo-Yo IR2 test.The hs-cTnT levels peaked at 6 h after both tests,but were significantly higher after the Yo-Yo IR2 test compared to the cycle ergometer test(median hs-cTnT concentration 10.6 ng/L vs 7.8 ng/L,P=0.038).All levels returned to baseline within 24 h.CONCLUSION In professional athletes adapted to high-intensity intermittent exercise,hs-cTnT was significantly elevated after intermittent but not continuous exercise.This principle of specificity training should be considered when designing future studies to avoid misinterpretation of hs-cTnT elevation.

Differential IFN-Gamma (IFN-γ), Interleukin 10 (IL-10) and Cardiac Troponin I (cTnI) Responses in Natural Bovine Trypanosomosis in Nigeria

Trypanosomosis is major drawback to profitable livestock production in sub-Sahara African, including Nigeria. Knowledge of the cytokines production in the phase of natural infection may help to better diagnose, treat and prevent bovine trypanosomosis. The purpose of the this study was to determine the levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and cardiac troponin–I (cTnI) in the sera of cattle naturally infected with T. brucei, T. congolense and T. vivax and correlate these levels with parasitaemia and PCV of the infected animals. Five milliliter of blood samples were collected via the jugular vein from 411 randomly selected cattle into EDTA and non-citrated bottle. PCV was determined manually using HCT. Trypansomes were detected and characterized by microscopy and PCR, respectively. Serum levels of IFN-γ, IL-10 and cTnI were determined using commercial ELISA kit. Data were summarized using descriptive statistic and significance of differences determined by ANOVA. Of the 62 samples positive for trypanosomes by microscopy, 50 samples were confirmed to species level by PCR. The sera levels of IFN-γ, IL-10 and cTnI of infected cattle were higher than non-infected cattle. The differences were not significant (p γ, IL-10 and cTnI in cattle with natural trypanosomosis. Further investigation is required to understand the specific effect of trypanosomes on myocardiac integrity and interaction between the two cytokines in natural trypanosomosis in cattle.

Focus on cardiac troponin complex:From gene expression to cardiomyopathy

The cardiac troponin complex(cTn)is a regulatory component of sarcomere.cTn consists of three subunits:cardiac troponin C(cTnC),which confers Ca2+sensitivity to muscle;cTnl,which inhibits the interaction of cross-bridge of myosin with thin filament during dias-tole;and cTnT,which has multiple roles in sarcomere,such as promoting the link between the cTnl-cTnC complex and tropomyosin within the thin filament and influencing Ca2+sensi-tivity of cTn and force development during contraction.Conditions that interfere with inter-actions within cTn and/or other thin filament proteins can be key factors in the regulation of cardiac contraction.These conditions include alterations in myoflament Caz+sensitivity,direct changes in cTn function,and triggering downstream events that lead to adverse cardiac remodeling and impairment of heart function.This review describes gene expression and post-translational modifications of cTn as well as the conditions that can adversely affect the deli-cate balance among the components of cTn,thereby promoting contractile dysfunction.

Physician-level variation in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction and the use of angiography among veterans with elevated troponin

Background:Cardiac troponin assays have improved the ability to detect myocardial damage.However,ascertaining whether troponin elevation is due to myocardial infarction(MI) or secondary to another process can be challenging.Our aim is to evaluate provider-level variation in the diagnosis of MI and the use of invasive coronary angiography(ICA) among patients with undifferentiated elevations in cardiac troponin.Methods:We analyzed data from all patients with elevated troponin levels in a single Veterans Affairs(VA) Medical Center between 2006 and 2007.One of several cardiologists prospectively evaluated each patient's presentation and course of care.We compared the frequency of MI diagnosis and ICA use between physicians using univariate odds ratios(OR).Results:Among 761 patients,34.0% were diagnosed with MI and 25.9% underwent ICA.The unadjusted rates of MI(23.9% to 56.7%,P=0.02) and ICA(17.3% to 73.3%,P<0.001) differed between physicians.Comparing the patient cohorts for each physician,baseline characteristics were similar except for chest pain.In multivariate regression,factors associated with the use of cardiac ICA included an abnormal electrocardiograph(ECG)(OR=1.89,P=0.014),level of troponin(OR=1.71,P=0.004),chest pain(OR=8.60,P<0.001),and care by non-VA physicians(OR=4.45,P=0.006).One physician had a lower ICA use(OR=0.56,P=0.017).In multivariate regression of MI,no physician-level variation was observed.Conclusion:Among patients with elevated troponin,the likelihood of being diagnosed with MI and undergoing ICA is dependent on their clinical presentation.After adjustment,physician-level variation in care was observed for the use of ICA,but not for the diagnosis of MI.

Myocardial Protection with Beta Blocker Treatment in Infants with Heart Failure Due to Congenital Heart Defects and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Our first intention to treat infants’ heart failure with beta blockers was to improve the clinical condition as shown in our prospective randomized trial. We only use non-selective beta blockers in these infants, carvedilol in those with left ventricular dysfunction and propranolol in those with congenital heart disease without ventricular dysfunction. Despite a significant improvement of Ross’s heart failure score, we could not convince most colleagues within the last 25 years if the concept of neurohumoral activation in heart failure is not well-established pediatric cardiology. Recently, Honghai Liu et al. published that cardiomyocyte cytokinesis failure was increased in congenital heart disease. Inactivation of the beta adreno receptors genes and administration of the beta-blocker propranolol increased cardiomyocyte division in neonatal mice, which increased the number of cardiomyocytes (endowment) and conferred benefit after myocardial infarction in adults. We currently realize that propranolol in infants with congenital heart disease not only decrease highly elevated NT-Pro-BNP values but also decrease cardiac troponin T values that may indicate myocardial injury due to neurohumoral activation. We reproduce this observation, primarily seen in infants with congenital heart disease, in an infant with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. These observations were in good accordance with current data from H. Liu et al., who showed that treatment with non-selective beta blockers early after birth might rescue cytokinesis defects and prevent heart dysfunction in adulthood in a mouse model.

Application of Nanogold Probe Coupled with Silver Enhancement in Rapid cTnI Colorimetric Immunoassay

A rapid, inexpensive, reliable, and flexible quantitative immunoassay for cardiac troponin I （cTnI） based on the concepts of one-step dual monoclonal antibody “sandwich” principle. The low density protein array, the nanogold probe, and the silver enhancement on the gold particle were provided. The whole detection procedure of the assay could be fulfilled within 40 min with the pretreated colloidal gold-labeled detection antibody and supporting substrate. The assay showed good specific response to cTnI with very low cross-reactivity ratio to the skeletal isoforms of troponin I （sTnI）, cardiac troponin T （cTnT）, and myoglobin. 588 serum samples were assayed simultaneously by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay （ELISA） and this colloidal gold method to test the validity of the method and the data were analyzed using the statistical package SPSS version 11.0 （SPSS Inc.）. There was no significant difference between these two assays （P=0.66〉0.05）. The agreement between this method （〉 or 〈0.3 ng/mL） and ELISA was 86%.

SBA-15 Modified Carbon Paste Electrode for Rapid cTnI Detection with Enhanced Sensitivity

A novel electrochemical immunoassay for cardiac troponin Ⅰ （cTnI） combining the concepts of the dual monoclonal antibody ＂sandwich＂ principle, the silver enhancement on the nano-gold particle, and the SBA-15 mesoporous modified carbon paste electrode （SBA-MCPE） is described. Four main steps were carried out to obtain the analytical signal, i.e., electrode preparation, immunoreaction, silver enhancement, and anodic stripping voltammetric detection. A linear relationship between the anodic stripping peak current and concentration of cTnI from 0.5 to 5.0 ng/mL and a limit of detection of 0.2 ng/mL of cTnI were obtained.

Screening of scFvs against cTnI from Phage Display Antibody Library and Their Expression in E.coli Rosetta

The single chain variable fragments of antibodies(scFvs) against cTnI were screened from the phage display antibody library by using cTnI as the target antigen. After four rounds of panning, four clones(H2, G5, A9, B9) from the phage display antibody library were verified to show higher binding affinity for cTnI by ELISA and to contain the variable region genes of the light and heavy chains of scFvs by sequencing. The variable region genes of scFvs H2 and G5 were successfully amplified by polymerase chain reactions(PCR) and cloned into expression vector pPELB and expressed as a soluble protein in E.coli Rosetta, whose expression yield was about 2% of total proteins. The expressed proteins were purified by nickel(Ni) affinity chromatography and a single band is shown in the position of 28 kDa on SDS-PAGE. The western blot analysis result verifies that the expressed scFv proteins are capable of binding with monoclonal antibodies against hexa-histidine, indicating that they are hexa-histidin-tagged aim proteins. The immunoassay demonstrates that the expressed scFv proteins are able to specifically react with cTnI molecules. The association constant(K_A) values range from 1.2×10 4 to 1.7 ×10 5 L/mol that are correspondent to the affinities of polyclonal antibodies against cTnI from rabbits. These antibodies can be valuable reagents for the immunoassay of cTnI.

Observation on Therapeutic Effects of Shengmai Powder (生脉散)in Treating Acute Viral Myocarditis

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Shengmai Powder (SMP, 生脉散) in treating a-cute viral myocarditis objectively. Methods: One hundred and twenty-four patients with acute viral myocarditis were randomized into the treated group (SMG, n = 64) and the control group(CG, n = 60 ). Such myo-cardial nutrient medicine as ATP, CoA , Vit-C, were given to both groups. And to the treated group, 40 ml of Shengmai Injection per day was given intravenously for 2 weeks, which was followed by oral intake of Shengmai granule, one package three times daily for another 2 weeks in total. The same anti-arrhythmia agents were applied to both groups, and no fructose-1, 6-diphosphate (FDP) for either. Semi-quantitative scoring method was adopted to observe such symptoms as chest stuffiness, palpitation and chest pain before treatment and four weeks after treatment. Meanwhile, EGG, dynamic ECG by Holter monitor, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), serum neutralizing antibody of virus Coxsackie B, cardiac troponin I (cTnl) and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) were examined. Results: (1) Compared with the control group, more significant improvement was got in SMG in respects of chest stuffiness, palpitation, chest pain and arrhythmia (P<0.05 or P<0.01). (2) Negative converting rates of cTnl ,cTnT in the two groups were 59.46% vs35.48%, 68.75% vs42.31% respectively ( P<0. 05). (3) LVEDD before and after treatment in SMG was 52. 44 ± 3. 40 mm and 48. 81 ± 2. 23mm respectively, while that in the control group was 52. 31 ± 3. 74 mm and 49. 92 ± 2. 67mm respectively; LVEF before and after treatment in SMG was 60.67 ± 4. 62 % and 65. 02 ± 4. 16 % respectively, while that in the control group was 60.91 ± 4. 26 % and 63. 67 ± 3.17 % . There was obvious improvement in the two parameters in both groups, but the improvement in SMG was superior to that in the control group ( P<0. 05). Conclusion: SMP shows a good effect in improving clinical symptoms and signs, heart function, abnormal ECG and inflammatory injury indexes in patients with acute viral myocarditis.

RELEASE OF SERUM TROPONIN I AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO MULTIFACTORS FOLLOWING OPEN HEART SURGERY IN CHILDREN

Objective To be released specifically after myocardial damage. The goal of this study was to measure serum cardiac troponin I levels after open heart surgery in children, and to evaluate relevance between TnTi and perioperative multi-factors. Methods Fifty-seven consecutive pediatric patients undergoing elective correction of congenital heart diseases were divided into group A （ TOF, n =31 ） and group B （ VSD, n =26）. Blood sampies were drawn preoperatively, 5min（ T0 ） , 6h（ T6 ） , 12h（ T12 ） , 24h（ T24 ） , 48h（ T48 ） , 72h（ T72 ） after removal of aortic cross clamping. Myocardial protection consisted of moderate systemic hypothermia （ 30℃- 32℃ ）, cold crystalloid cardioplegia and topical cooling. Demographic information, cardiac defect, repair procedure, duration of bypass （ CPBT） , cross-clamping time （ CCT） , clinical score for cardiac function, electrocardiographic changes and outcomes were recorded. Results Compared with the baseline value, serum concentration of troponin I peaked at T0 （ P 〈 0. 01 ）, and fell to normal level at T72 （ P 〉 0. 05 ）. Peak CTnI was 118 and 55 times higher than the baseline value, respectively in group A and group B. There was a positive correlation between peak CTnI and CPBT, CCT （ r = 0. 51 ; P 〈 0. 01 ）, myocardial operative injury after ventriculotomy and muscle resection （ r = 0. 35, P 〈0. 01 ）. Also the peak CTnl value was correlated to the clinical score for cardiac function （r = -0. 52; P 〈0. 01）. 2.3μg/L was a cutoff value which was highly predictive for postoperative recovery and inotropic support. Conclusion Postoperative serum troponin I is a highly specific and sensitive marker for myocardial ischemia and injury; therefore, its measurement may contribute to the assessment of recovery and outcome after open heart surgery.

Clinic Characteristics of Varicella Zoster Myocarditis

Objective To analyze the clinic characteristics of varicella zoster myocarditis and to determine the diagnostic value of serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI ) on the disease. Methods Information of 58 hospitalized patients with varicella zoster was collected, and the incidence of varicella zoster myocarditis and clinic characteristics (ECG, cTnI, age and sex distribution, etc. ) were analyzed respectively. Results It was found that 36.2% of the patients developed myocarditis. The old and female persons were much more susceptible to varicella zoster myocarditis. All patients had responsive ECG manifestations, and the abnormal ST T changes were more common than other ECG abnormalities. CTnI remained higher than normal and had significant diagnostic value. Most of the patients had good prognosis, only a few patients lasted a long time and even progressed into cardiomyopathy. Nearly all the patients came to see dermatologists when they felt ill initially. That would lead to more misdiagnosis. Conclusion Infection of varicella zoster can complicate myocarditis, we must pay more attention to the patients who suffer from varicella zoster especially in the aged and female; cTnI is an important and effective index for diagnosis of varicella zoster myocarditis.

Good Outcome after More Than a Million Troponin in Serum

A troponin in serum of more than one Million in vivo is rare insult. We report a case of 85-year-old woman who was transferred to our institution because of acute ST elevated myocardial infarction and the troponin level reached a peak of 1,032,904.2 pg/ml. She was discharged with highly reduced left ventricular function, however in the three months follow up after a coronary bypass operation she completely was free from heart failure symptoms and echocardiography showed a totally normal function of both ventricles. This case study highlights that the initial serum troponin in acute settings can mislead the long-term prognosis and gives prominence to the expeditious myocardial revascularization.

Elevated level of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I as a predictor of adverse cardiovascular events in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Background:The relationship between the elevation of cardiac troponin and the increase of mortality and hospitalization rate in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction is clear.This study investigated the association between the extent of elevated levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I(hs-cTnI)and the prognosis in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction patients.Methods:A retrospective cohort study consecutively enrolled 470 patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction from September 2014 to August 2017.According to the level of hs-cTnI,the patients were divided into the elevated level group(hs-cTnI>0.034 ng/mL in male and hs-cTnI>0.016 ng/mL in female)and the normal level group.All of the patients were followed up once every 6 months.Adverse cardiovascular events were cardiogenic death and heart failure hospitalization.Results:The mean follow-up period was 36.2±7.9 months.Cardiogenic mortality(18.6%[26/140]vs.1.5%[5/330],P<0.001)and heart failure(HF)hospitalization rate(74.3%[104/140]vs.43.6%[144/330],P<0.001)were significantly higher in the elevated level group.The Cox regression analysis showed that the elevated level of hs-cTnI was a predictor of cardiogenic death(hazard ratio[HR]:5.578,95%confidence interval[CI]:2.995-10.386,P<0.001)and HF hospitalization(HR:3.254,95%CI:2.698-3.923,P<0.001).The receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated that a sensitivity of 72.6%and specificity of 88.8%for correct prediction of adverse cardiovascular events when a level of hs-cTnI of 0.1305 ng/mL in male and a sensitivity of 70.6%and specificity of 90.2%when a level of hs-cTnI of 0.0755 ng/mL in female were used as the cut-off value.Conclusion:Significant elevation of hs-cTnI(≥0.1305 ng/mL in male and≥0.0755 ng/mL in female)is an effective indicator of the increased risk of cardiogenic death and HF hospitalization in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction patients.