Troponin I as an early biomarker of cardiopulmonary parameters during the first 24 h of intensive care unit treatment in isolated traumatic brain injury patients

Abstract Objective Cardiopulmonary (CP) complications are well-known phenomena after an isolated traumatic brain injury (iTBI) and they may be associated with an elevated serum troponin I (TnI) value. However, the influence of an elevated TnI level on CP parameters within the first 24 hours after an iTBI is still unknown. The current study was conducted to assess the associations between the initial TnI value on admission and CP parameters during the first 24 hours of intensive care unit (ICU) treatment in iTBI patients. Patients and Methods A total of 288 patients with iTBIs, who were admitted to our emergency department between January 2010 and November 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Blood samples were taken on admission to determine TnI value. Each patient's demographic data, treatment regime, computed tomography results, and intra-hospital outcomes were evaluated, as well as several CP parameters, within the first 24 hours of ICU treatment. The entire study population was stratified into patients with an initial TnI elevation (TnI positive) and without an initial TnI elevation (TnI negative). Results Increased TnI values on admission were found in 59 (20.5%) patients. There were significant correlations between an initially elevated TnI value and a lower Glasgow Coma Scale score (p=0.003), higher head Abbreviated Injury Scale score (p Conclusion Patients with elevated TnI values on admission require more circulation support (NAR and FiO2) within the first 24 hours of ICU treatment after an iTBI. Therefore, the TnI may be a useful biomarker to improve ICU treatment of these patients.