Machine learning for predicting acute myocardial infarction in patients with sepsis

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and sepsis are the leading causes of high mortality rates in intensive care units. While sepsis frequently affects the cardiovascular system, distinguishing between sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy and AMI remains challenging due to overlapping biomarkers. Misdiagnosis can hinder timely treatment and increase risk of complications. This study used multidimensional clinical data and machine learning techniques to develop and validate a novel predictive model for identifying AMI in critically ill patients with sepsis. Data from patients with sepsis were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV database. Six machine learning algorithms were employed for model construction. Additionally, the machine learning-based models were compared with traditional scoring systems. Model performance was evaluated in terms of discrimination, calibration, and clinical applicability. In total, 2,103 critically ill patients with sepsis were included, 459 (21.8%) of whom experienced AMI during hospitalization. A total of 26 variables were selected for model construction. Among all models, the Gradient Boosting Classifier model demonstrated the best predictive performance in terms of discrimination, calibration, and clinical applicability. Machine learning models have the potential to serve as tools for predicting AMI in patients with sepsis. The Gradient Boosting Classifier model developed herein demonstrated promising predictive performance, supporting clinicians in identifying patients at high-risk of sepsis and implementing early interventions to reduce mortality rates.