Cardiology
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Recent studies have suggested that positive troponin I tests are associated with an increased risk of cardiac death during short-term follow-up. However, it is unknown if troponin I tests alone or in addition to CK-MB measurements are superior to predict unfavorable outcome during long-term follow-up. ⋯ Our data suggest the superiority of combined CK-MB and troponin I measurements in clinical practice for the early risk stratification of patients presenting with acute chest pain. In nonmyocardial infarctions, both CK-MB and troponin I convey independent prognostic information with regard to fatal outcome. Troponin I tests in addition to CK-MB measurements contribute to a lower rate of misdiagnoses.