The short-term effect of hemodialysis in the level of high-sensitive cardiac troponin T: A systematic review

Introduction: Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but interpreting cardiac troponin is difficult in this population. The effect of renal replacement therapy (RRT) is important to consider when interpreting serial cardiac troponin T (cTnT) results for patients with ESRD suspected of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The aim of this systematic review is to answer how low-flux hemodialysis (LF-HD), high-flux hemodialysis (HF-HD), and hemodiafiltration (HDF) affect the blood concentration of high-sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT). Method: Several databases were searched and identified records were evaluated independently by two of the authors. Pre- and postdialysis hs-cTnT concentrations together with other relevant data were extracted from the included studies. The quality (potential bias and applicability issues) were assessed for each of the included studies. Results: The literature search identified 2,540 records and 15 studies were included. The relative pre- to postdialysis change of hs-cTnT varied from −41 to 29%. LF-HD increased the hs-cTnT concentration with relative changes between 2 and 17%. HDF decreased the concentration with relative changes from −41% to −9%. Both increases and decreases were seen for HF-HD (−16% to 12%). Discussion/Conclusion: In this systematic review, we found LF-HD to increase the hs-cTnT concentration and HDF to decrease the concentration. Results for HF-HD and unspecified HD are more heterogeneous. Because of the differences between the included studies, a meta-analysis was not meaningful. This systematic review can help with the assessment of patients with ESRD suspected of ACS in relation to hemodialysis/HDF treatment.