Troponin-T and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide predict mortality benefit from coronary revascularization in acute coronary syndromes -: A GUSTO-IV substudy

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, interteukin-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.