Association of sST2 serum levels with outcomes in pediatric dilated cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background Prognosis in patients with pediatric dilated cardiomyopathy (PDCM) is urgently required to identify high-risk patients. Elevated soluble ST2 (sST2) is associated with prognosis in adult patients with heart failure. This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of sST2 in PDCM. Methods Ninety-four patients with PDCM were enrolled after admission from two centers in China and followed up for adverse events (death, cardiac transplantation, and heart failure-related rehospitalization). BNP and sST2 levels were measured. Results Over a median of 678 (IQR:533-785) days, 28 (29.8%) adverse events occurred. Patients in the highest tertile of sST2 levels had an increased risk of short-term ( 6 months), but gradually decreased in non-adverse event controls compared with 3-month and 6-month with baseline levels. Conclusions In patients with PDCM, serum sST2 levels are associated with adverse events and have robust prognostic value. Serial measurements of sST2 could help in managing patients for monitoring outcomes of treatment.