INCIDENCE AND PREDICTORS OF MYOCARDIAL INJURY AFTER NONCARDIAC SURGERY: A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT ANALYSIS FROM A TERTIARY CENTRE

<strong>Objective: </strong>Myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) is a prevalent and frequently underdiagnosed perioperative complication, characterised by elevated cardiac troponin levels in the absence of overt ischaemic symptoms. It is strongly associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to deter mine the incidence of MINS, identify its perioperative risk factors, and evaluate its impact on early postoperative mortality. <strong>Material and Methods: </strong>This retrospective cohort study included 418 adult patients who underwent noncardiac surgery between January 2024 and May 2025 and were admitted to a tertiary hospital intensive care unit (ICU). Highsensitivity troponin I levels were measured at 1, 24, and 48 h postoperatively. MINS was defined as troponin I &gt;17 ng/L in females and &gt;35 ng/L in males. Demographic data, surgical variables, comorbidities, and outcomes were analysed. Logistic regression analysis identified independent pre dictors of MINS and mortality. <strong>Results:</strong> MINS was detected in 28.5% of patients. It was significantly associated with male sex (OR=1.61; 95% CI: 1.03–2.53), surgery type (p=0.034), and elective surgery, with a paradoxically lower incidence in emergency cases (OR=0.51; 95% CI: 0.33–0.81). Postoperative mortality was significantly higher in the MINS group (18.5% vs. 4%, p&lt;0.001). Independent predictors of mortality included emergency surgery (OR=8.39), longer ICU stay (OR=1.12 per day), and lower body mass index (p=0.02). <strong>Conclusion: </strong>MINS constitutes a prevalent postoperative complication that significantly contributes to adverse clinical outcomes. Routine postoperative troponin surveillance in highrisk patients may support earlier diagnosis and management. Optimising perioperative strategies is essential to mitigate the adverse clinical consequences of MINS.