The role of the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG Index) in predicting disease severity, ICU admission, and total hospital stay in patients with myocarditis

Aim: Myocarditis is characterized by myocardial inflammation, with varying etiologies, including infectious and autoimmune causes, and presents with a broad range of clinical severity. Identifying prognostic markers is essential to tailor treatment and optimize outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the Triglyceride-Glucose (TyG) Index as a potential marker for disease severity, ICU admission, and hospital length of stay in patients with acute myocarditis. Material and Methods: In this retrospective study, 326 patients diagnosed with acute myocarditis between January 2015 and December 2023 were analyzed. Clinical and laboratory data, including demographics, disease severity markers, and TyG Index values, were collected. Statistical analyses evaluated associations between TyG Index and key clinical outcomes, such as ICU admission and total hospital stay. Results: Patients with higher TyG Index values had significantly increased ICU admission rates, prolonged hospital stays, and higher levels of inflammatory markers, including CRP and ferritin. The TyG Index also correlated with markers of myocardial injury, such as elevated troponin and D-dimer levels, and was notably higher in patients with comorbidities like hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Conclusion: The TyG Index appears to be a valuable biomarker for assessing myocarditis severity and predicting clinical outcomes. Given its accessibility, the TyG Index could be a practical tool for risk stratification in clinical settings. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and further clarify its role in the pathophysiology of myocarditis.