Relationships between troponin I and hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy among newborn babies

Background: A proper evaluation of cardiovascular status, with a view to ensuring early diagnosis of cardiac dysfunction and prompt intervention where necessary, is a recognized approach in the management of asphyxiated neonates. Hence, we determined the levels of a cardiac biomarker (troponin I), its relationship with disease severity, and mortality in asphyxiated neonates with hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Methods: This was a descriptive study that involved 85 asphyxiated, term appropriate-for-gestational age newborn babies with HIE (subjects) and 85 healthy controls within the first 72 h of life. Asphyxiated neonates were classified into HIE stages using Sarnat and Sarnat staging. Blood samples were collected between 24 and 72 h of life to determine the level of troponin I using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The asphyxiated babies were followed up till discharge or death. Results: The median interquartile range level of troponin I in the subjects was higher compared with the controls, 1.26 (0.97–3.16) ng/ml versus 0.79 (0.79–1.42) ng/ml, P