Cardiac Troponin Testing in Patients with COVID-19: A Strategy for Testing and Reporting Results

Link to article at PubMed

Clin Chem. 2020 Oct 12:hvaa225. doi: 10.1093/clinchem/hvaa225. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that emerged late in 2019 causing COVID-19 (coronavirus disease-2019) may adversely affect the cardiovascular system. Publications from Asia, Europe and North America have identified cardiac troponin as an important prognostic indicator for patients hospitalized with COVID-19. We recognized from publications within the first 6 months of the pandemic that there has been much uncertainty on the reporting, interpretation, and pathophysiology of an increased cardiac troponin concentration in this setting.

CONTENT: The purpose of this mini-review is: a) to review the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 and the cardiovascular system, b) to overview the strengths and weaknesses of selected studies evaluating cardiac troponin in patients with COVID-19, and c) recommend testing strategies in the acute period, in the convalescence period and in long-term care for patients who have become ill with COVID-19.

SUMMARY: This review provides important educational information and identifies gaps in understanding the role of cardiac troponin and COVID-19. Future, properly designed studies will hopefully provide the much-needed evidence on the path forward in testing cardiac troponin in patients with COVID-19.

PMID:33045044 | DOI:10.1093/clinchem/hvaa225

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