Aiming Towards Evidence Based Interpretation of Cardiac Biomarkers in Patients Presenting With Chest Pain Using Point of Care Assays
Aiming Towards Evidence Based Interpretation of Cardiac Biomarkers in Patients Presenting With Chest Pain Using Point of Care Assays
The aim of the current study is to perform a RCT comparing safety and efficiency of a standard care (in-line with current ESC recommendations) to an algorithm that utilize a POC troponin tests for bedside measurement, the instruments could be located in the ED and return results in few minutes.
Ischemic coronary artery disease is an important health challenge and a common cause of death worldwide. Patients with symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndrome are frequently referred to the emergency department (ED) and impose a high work-load on hospitals. Since 2009, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) assays have become a crucial ED tool for differentiating between patients with and without Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Accordingly, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) recommends 0-1 hour algorithms that use hs-cTn for rule-out and rule-in of NSTEMI.
Additionally, the clinical suspicion of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or other life-threating conditions must be low.
Unfortunately, these algorithms have been difficult to implement into routine and clinical practice, and are only used by a limited number of hospitals due to lack of randomized clinical trials and practical obstacles, including turnaround time for troponins.
The aim of the current study is to perform a RCT comparing safety and efficiency of a standard care (in-line with current ESC recommendations) to an algorithm that utilize a POC troponin tests for bedside measurement, the instruments could be located in the ED and return results in few minutes.
Inclusion Criteria:
Patients > 17 years who are referred to the Emergency Department of Haukeland University Hospital with chest pain suspect of ACS
Exclusion Criteria: