Effect of β-Blocker Therapy on the Level of Soluble ST2 Protein in Pediatric Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Effect of β-Blocker Therapy on the Level of Soluble ST2 Protein in Pediatric Dilated Cardiomyopathy Medicina (Kaunas). 2022 Sep 23;58(10):1339 Abstract Background and Objectives: A prognosis for kids with pediatric dilated cardiomyopathy (PDCM) is urgently needed to identify high-risk patients. This study aimed to determine the association of levels and soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) and medical therapy of β-blocker inhibitors with the risk of adverse events in PDCM. Materials and Methods: A total of 124 patients with PDCM were enrolled after admission from 2 centers in China and followed up for adverse events (death, cardiac transplantation, and heart-failure-related rehospitalization). Based on a median sST2 level and the usage of β-blocker inhibitors, patients were divided into four groups. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess the risk of incident adverse events. Results: The median level of sST2 was 23.77 ng/mL, and 53 (42.7%) patients received β-blocker treatment. Over a median follow-up of 678 days, 37 (29.8%) adverse events occurred. Compared with patients with sST2 < median and without β-blocker, patients with sST2 ≥ median and without β-blocker (HR: 7.01; 95% CI: 1.21-40.45), followed by those with sST2 ≥ median and use of β-blocker had the highest risk of adverse events (hazard ratio (HR): 5.51; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.17-25.84). However, a significant association was not observed in patients with sST2 < median and use of β-blocker. These associations were consistent across different subgroups. Conclusions: A higher level of sST2 was associated with a higher risk of adverse events in patients with PDCM, and β-blocker treatment for children with high levels of sST2 can effectively avoid adverse events. Disclaimer: Lupin makes no representation or warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any scientific information shared by the HCP on the ­­­STAR UPDATE podcast. You should not allow the contents of this to substitute for your own medical judgment, which you should exercise in evaluating the information on this website.