Troponin Levels and Early Mortality After Lung Surgery
Author Information
Author(s): Lim Eric, Li Choy, Flaks Lydia, Mussa Shafi, Van Tornout Fillip, Van Leuven Marc, Parry G Wyn
Primary Institution: Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital
Hypothesis
Elevated postoperative troponin levels are associated with increased early mortality after lung resection for cancer.
Conclusion
Patients with detected serum troponin elevation are at high risk of early mortality after lung resection.
Supporting Evidence
- 14 patients (7%) had elevated troponin levels within 30 days of surgery.
- 9 out of 14 patients with elevated troponin had classical features of myocardial infarction.
- One and five year survival probabilities were significantly lower for patients with troponin elevation.
Takeaway
If doctors find high troponin levels in patients after lung surgery, it means those patients might be in big trouble and could die early.
Methodology
A historic cohort study of patients with primary lung cancer who underwent surgical resection, comparing survival based on postoperative troponin levels.
Potential Biases
The retrospective design limits the ability to identify patient risk factors associated with troponin elevation.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and based on a relatively small group, which may introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 66 years, with 65% being men.
Statistical Information
P-Value
< 0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 3.75 to 22.54
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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