The baseline cardiac troponin T (cTnT) level strongly predicts short-term mortality in acute coronary syndromes, but the added value of predischarged (7^th day) measures to predict short-term outcome and left ventricular (LV) remodeling in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (MI) is controversial.
Baseline, peak and predischarged cTnT results were evaluated in 52 patients (15 females, 37 males, mean age, 54.4 ± 8.8 years) with first acute anterior MI. There were 4 deaths (all cardiac origin) during the 30 day follow up period. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed patients with a predischarged serum cTnT level higher than the median level (1.2 ng/mL) had a higher mortality rate than those with submedian levels (P < 0.05). Additionally, the highest correlation rate was found between predischarged cTnT values and LV ejection fraction (LV-EF, r = -0.58, P < 0.002). There were no differences between the groups in the 7^th day left ventricular diastolic parameters, but the 30^th day isovolumetric relaxation time and mitral E wave deceleration time were shorter (146.9 ± 30.1 vs 129 ± 23.4 msec, P = 0.025 and, 185.8 ± 51.8 vs 144.6 ± 58.1 msec, P = 0.012) in patients with higher predischarged cTnT level.
High levels of predischarged cTnT levels in patients admitted with first acute anterior MI defines a subgroup. These patients have poor systolic and diastolic functions and are at increased risk of short term mortality. This group of patients may have benefit from early intensive treatment strategies before discharge.