Performance Evaluation of the 2020 European Society of Cardiology 0-hour/1-hour Algorithm Using High-sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I for Non-ST-segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome and Mortality Assessment Based on 1-year Real-world Data
- Author:
Changhee HA
1
;
Yeon Jae LEE
;
Jong Do SEO
;
Hanah KIM
;
Hee-Won MOON
;
Mina HUR
;
Young Hwan LEE
;
Sang O PARK
;
Kyeong Ryong LEE
;
Hyun-Joong KIM
;
Yeo-Min YUN
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Annals of Laboratory Medicine 2026;46(1):52-61
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:The 2020 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 0-hr/1-hr algorithm using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) for non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) aims at early diagnosis and shorter emergency department (ED) stays. While this algorithm has been well-established in controlled studies, real-world implementation remains challenging. We evaluated the algorithm’s clinical performance and risk stratification capability in patients with chest pain or discomfort.
Methods:We measured hs-cTnI in 4,678 patients suspected of NSTE-ACS between August 2022 and July 2023, using an Atellica IM Analyzer (Siemens Healthineers, Erlangen, Germany). We categorized patients into rule-in, observe, or rule-out groups according to the algorithm and assessed its diagnostic performance for NSTE-ACS. The final diagnosis of NSTE-ACS was adjudicated by two independent physicians. Additionally, we evaluated 30-day all-cause mortality, hazard risk, and ED length of stay across the three groups.
Results:The algorithm categorized 3,408 (72.9%), 573 (12.2%), and 697 (14.9%) patients into the rule-out, observe, and rule-in groups, respectively. Among 90 patients diagnosed as having NSTE-ACS, none were falsely categorized into the rule-out group. Survival analysis revealed significant differences (P < 0.001), with Cox hazard ratios of 2.38 (95% confidence interval: 1.20–4.71) and 6.39 (3.45–11.86) in the observe and rule-in groups, respectively. ED stays shortened in the order of rule-out, observe, and rule-in groups (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:The 2020 ESC 0-hr/1-hr algorithm demonstrates excellent diagnostic accuracy without false rule-outs and effective risk stratification, and contributes to efficient ED throughput, supporting its clinical utility in real-world emergency settings.
