Biomarker evidence of myocardial cell injury is associated with mortality in acute respiratory distress syndrome*

Abstract

Patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome have a high prevalence of elevated cardiac markers. The presence of elevated cardiac markers is independently associated with increased 60-day mortality and increased organ failure. This association is most pronounced among patients with lower severity of illness. These results indicate that occult myocardial injury may be an important factor in acute respiratory distress syndrome morbidity and mortality. Further study of the relevant causal relationships and mechanisms is warranted.