High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I as a Biomarker of Myocardial Injury in Severe Dengue: A retrospective study in hospitalized patients

Abstract

Background: A major worldwide health problem, dengue fever has a broad spectrum of clinical severity. Although hematological and vascular problems are well known, cardiac involvement is underreported despite its major impact on morbidity and death. High-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-Troponin I), a sensitive marker of myocardial injury, might assist to detect cardiac involvement in dengue. Objective: To evaluate the correlation between serum hs-Troponin I values and the degree of dengue infection. Materials and Method: From August 2024 to September 2025, this retrospective  study was carried out at a tertiary care facility hospital. Enrolled were data of 100 adult patients (aged 18–70 years) with confirmed dengue infection (NS1 antigen or IgM positive). World Health Organization (WHO) 2009 criteria classified patients into dengue fever (DF), dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), and dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Using an automated  immunoassay, serum hs-Troponin I levels were determined. Using one-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post-hoc test, statistical analysis was carried out; p < 0.05 was regarded significant. Results: With a small male predominance (52%), participants had a mean age of 39.67 ± 15.8 years. With illness severity, hs-Troponin I levels increased dramatically: DF (18.23 ± 19.49), DHF (179.27 ± 19.49), and DSS (674.05 ± 124.91) (p < 0.05). Post-hoc study revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) among all the groups. The results show a gradual rise in hs-Troponin I aligned with growing dengue severity. Conclusion: High hs-Troponin I levels are strongly linked with serious forms of dengue and might provide a practical biomarker for early identification of cardiac damage. Regular evaluation of hs-Troponin I might help to refine risk stratification, direct clinical treatment, and lower negative consequences in dengue patients.

J Med Coll Women Hosp.2026; 22(2): 135-140