Troponin is a complex composed of 3 proteins (troponin C, troponin I, troponin T) mediating interaction between myosin and actin. One of these proteins is troponin T. A cardiac specific form of troponin T is present which is released into the serum when myocyte injury occurs.
Reference range in serum: 0 - 0.1 µg/L
Course
Timing After AMI
earliest increase
4 - 6 hours
peak level
10 - 24 hours
return to normal
10 - 15 days
Limitations:
• increased levels may occur in severe muscle injury due to cross-reactivity with skeletal muscle troponin, but this should be less frequent with more specific (second generation) assays
• increased levels can occur in some patients with renal failure (uremia)
Performance:
• sensitivity: > 98%
• specificity: 80%
• Serial monitoring more useful than single determinations.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
