Cardiac troponin T in neonates with respiratory distress

Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess cardiac troponin T(cTnT) in neonates with respiratory distress as a marker of myocardial dysfunction. Study Design: Eighty neonates with respiratory distress and 20 healthy infants were included in the study. Patients were subdivided into 4 groups according to the etiology. Serum cardiac troponin T was measured using ELISA technique. Results: Cardiac troponin T levels were significantly higher (p = 0.001) in neonates with respiratory distress (0.041 ± 0.02 ng/ml) compared with controls(0.022 ± 0.012). Infants with respiratory distress syndrome had the highest cTnT levels (0.043 ± 0.022 ng/ml), while those with transient tachypnea had the lowest levels (0.036 ± 0.017 ng/ml). Also, cTnT levels were significantly higher in neonates who required inotropic support when compared to those without inotropes. We did not find statistically significant differences between survivors and non-survivors. Conclusion: Cardiac troponin T is higher in neonates with respiratory distress compared to healthy infants. It could be used as a useful marker for myocardial dysfunction. Keywords: Neonates, Respiratory distress, Cardiac troponin T, Marke