The difference in prognostic value between high-sensitive cardiac troponin T and I for long-term major adverse cardiovascular events in hemodialysis patients

Background Previous studies using conventional cardiac troponin (cTn) assays have shown conflicting results in the predictability of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in hemodialysis patients. Objective We aimed to evaluate the prognostic values of high-sensitivity cTnT (hs-cTnT) and hs-cTnI assays for long-term MACEs in asymptomatic chronic hemodialysis patients. Methods A total of 198 asymptomatic patients undergoing regular hemodialysis (mean age 62.4±14.8 years) were enrolled in this study. Pre-dialysis hs-cTnT and hs-cTnI levels were measured at the time of study entry. The primary outcome was the prognostic value of hs-cTnT and hs-cTnI for all-cause mortality. Results At baseline, the median values of hs-cTnT and hs-cTnI were 61.1 ng/L (IQR 36.6–102.0 ng/L) and 18.4 ng/L (IQR 9.5–36.6 ng/L), respectively. During a median follow-up period of 408 days (IQR 343–415 days), 35 (17.7%) patients developed MACEs, and 20 (10.1%) patients died. The patients with hs-cTnT level above the highest quartile (>102 ng/L) had an increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR 3.34; 95% CI 1.39–8.04, P=0.007) and MACEs (HR 1.99; 95% CI 1.00–3.96, P=0.049), compared to those with lower hs-cTnT level. The association between hs-cTnT and all-cause mortality remained significant after adjustment for age, gender, and comorbidities. On the contrary, hs-cTnI level was not associated with long-term all-cause mortality and MACEs. Conclusions We demonstrated that level of hs-cTnT, but not hs-cTnI, was associated with higher risk of long-term mortality and MACEs. As a result, hs-cTnT may be a better prognostic factor than hs-cTnI in this population. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Faculty of Medicine Endowment Fund for medical research