Abstract: Objective To investigate the relationship between highly sensitive cardiac troponin T and cardiac structure and function in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Methods Highly sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were measured in 86 patients (MHD group), who were treated with MHD for at least 6 months before the study and were in a stable clinic status without signs of acute myocardial infarction, acute myocarditis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular diameter (LVD), interventricular septal thickness (IVST), left ventricular
posterior wall thickness (LVPWT) were evaluated by ultrasonic cardiography. The results were compared to those from 60 healthy people (control group). The relationship between hs-cTnT level and left heart structure and function was then analyzed. Results The mean hs-cTnT level was higher in MHD group than in
control group (0.263±0.038 ng/ml vs. 0.016±0.008 ng/ml; P＜0.05). In MHD group, hs-cTnT level was positively correlated with the levels of BNP, LVMI and LVH (P<0.05), and was negatively correlated with the level of LVEF (P=0.015). Conclusions The determination of hs-cTnT is helpful for the early diagnosis of cardiovascular events in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.

Key words: highly sensitive cardiac troponin T, Cardiac structure and function, Maintenance hemodialysis