J Korean Pediatr Soc.  1999 Feb;42(2):195-202.

Clinical Efficiency of Cardiac Troponin T for Myocardial Damage in Neonatal Asphyxia

• Kang NS
• Yoon JK
• Son CS
• Lee JW
• Tokgo YC
• Kim SH

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficiency of cardiac troponin T(cTnT) in detecting myocardial damage in neonatal asphyxia and to compare the diagnostic value of cTnT with creatine kinase MB(CK-MB).
METHODS
Sixty-three neonates were enrolled in this study, consisting of 27 asphyxiated infants(asphyxiated group; 1-min or 5-min Apgar score< or=6) and 36 healthy infants(control group). The two groups were divided to 4 subgroups as follows; group I(17 preform asphyxiated neonates), group II (10 full-term asphyxiated neonates), group III(16 preterm healthy neonates), group IV(20 full-term healthy neonates). Serum cTnT was measured within 24 hours, at 24-47 hours, and 48-72 hours after birth, respectively. Serum CK-MB was measured within 24 hours after birth.
RESULTS
1) cTnT within 24 hours in asphyxiated group was significantly higher than in the control group(P<0.05). 2) cTnT in group II was not significantly higher than in group I (P>0.05), whereas CK-MB in group II it was higher than in group I (P<0.001). Between group III and IV, cTnT and CK-MB showed significant differences(P<0.05). 3) cTnT did not change with gestational age or birthweight. CK-MB was correlated to birthweight and gestational age. 4) Twelve asphyxiated infants had at least one abnormal cTnT(>0.2 microgram/L). Ten of them(83%) had a tricuspid insufficiency of moderate or severe degree.
CONCLUSION
cTnT is a more heart-specific serodiagnostic marker than other markers in asphyxiated neonates with suspected myocardial damage.

MeSH Terms

Asphyxia*
Creatine Kinase
Gestational Age
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Parturition
Troponin T*
Troponin*
Creatine Kinase
Troponin
Troponin T