Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate biomarkers for selection of patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (ACS) that derive mortality benefit from revascularization.
Background: Biomarkers are essential for identification of patients at increased risk, which may be reduced by revascularization.
Methods: During the initial 30 days, 2,340 patients of 7,800 (30%) with non-ST-segment elevation ACS in the GUSTO (Global Utilization of Strategies To open Occluded arteries)-IV trial underwent coronary revascularization. The 1-year mortality was calculated in 30-day survivors stratified by status of revascularization and levels of biomarkers. A propensity score for receiving revascularization was constructed and included in a survival analysis that also included the time point of revascularization as a time-dependent covariate.
Results: Elevation of troponin-T or N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was associated with a high mortality. In patients with either or both of these markers elevated, a lower mortality following revascularization was observed. In contrast, patients without elevation of these markers had low 1-year mortality without any reduction in mortality following revascularization. In fact, in patients with normal levels of both troponin-T and NT-proBNP, a significant increase in 1-year mortality after revascularization was observed. Elevation of C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, creatinine clearance, and ST-segment depression was also related to a higher mortality. However, independent of these markers, mortality was lower after revascularization.
Conclusions: Markers of troponin-T and NT-proBNP not only assist in risk stratification of patients with non-ST-segment elevation ACS but also appear to identify patients who have a reduced mortality associated with early coronary revascularization.