Should We Consider Bilirubin When Dosing Troponin in Newborns? Case Report

Abstract

Background: Troponin is a protein of the troponin-tropomyosin complex in myocardium and it is considered an highly sensitive marker of myocardial necrosis both in adults and newborns with perinatal asphyxia. Some studies assume that high troponin levels in adults without signs of myocardial necrosis could be conditioned by some factors, such as hemolysis, turbidity, and hyperbilirubinemia. Case presentation: We report a case of a term female newborn of Caucasian race, with high troponin levels in absence of neonatal asphyxia and without clinical or instrumental signs of myocardial ischaemia. Conclusion: Hyperbilirubinemia might be a factor that could interfere with assessment of sieric troponin T. This might suggest that levels of troponin T should be trusted only when they are associated with signs of other conditions suggesting heart damage or respiratory distress.

False-positive troponin I elevation in a newborn with neonatal encephalopathy

“…Giacchi et al reported a case of falsely high troponin I levels in a baby with jaundice. However, in our case, bilirubin levels had always been within the normal ranges and the baby never required phototherapy 16…”