Cardiac enzymes, renal failure and renal transplantation

Abstract

Diagnostic accuracy of the currently available serum markers of cardiac injury, such as myoglobin, creatine kinase and its myocardial isoform, are altered in patients with renal failure. It is shown that cardiac troponins have decreased diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in patients receiving renal replacement therapy. Data regarding serum levels of these cardiac biomarkers, especially those of the cardiac troponins, in patients with a transplanted kidney are limited. Current data show that levels of cardiac troponin I are unaltered in patients who have undergone renal transplantation, while levels of cardiac troponin T may be elevated. We believe that cardiac troponin I should be the biomarker of choice for diagnosis of myocardial injury in these patients. However, further trials are required for conclusive results. ©2006 Marshfield Clinic.