E/A ratio and troponin I level as measures of mortality in patients with shock in pediatric intensive care units

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the value of E/A ratio and troponin I level as indexes of mortality in patients with shock in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Background The E/A ratio is the ratio between the E wave and the A wave, and is used as an index of the diastolic function of the heart. Troponin I is specific of myocardial injury. Its level reflects the systolic and diastolic functions of the heart. Patients and methods A total of 50 children with shock in our PICU were studied. Clinical assessments, complete blood analysis, liver and renal function tests, and detection of troponin I levels were carried out. Echocardiographic assessment was carried out, including the assessment of ejection fraction% and E/A ratio. Results The group of dead patients had a significantly lower E/A ratio and a significantly higher troponin I level. Conclusion The E/A ratio and troponin I levels can be used as mortality indexes in patients with shock admitted to the PICU.