Prognostic value of troponin i in COVID-19 patients

Introduction: Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) patients present mainly with respiratory manifestations and viral pneumonia. The cardiovascular system presentation includes early signs of acute myocardial injury. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is a gold-standard biomarker for necrosis and myocardial risk assessment. Aim of the work: This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of cTnI in COVID-19 patients. Methodology: We report a prospective study that included 92 COVID-19 patients admitted to the El Helal Hospital, Sohag, Egypt. Upon admission, routine investigations including cTnI, chest Computed Tomography (CT), and Electrocardiogram (ECG) were carried out. The patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) also had echocardiography. Results: More than half of the patients (55.4%) were admitted to ICU; cTnI level was elevated in 30 patients (58.8%), of whom 17 died (56.7%). There were statistically significant differences regarding the relation between cTnI level, D-dimer and the need for ICU admission and death (p=0.001). Conclusion: We conclude that cardiac troponin I levels are a prognostic factor for ICU admission and mortality in COVID-19 patients.