Prognostic value of soluble ST2 postaortic valve replacement: a meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Biomarkers
• Interleukin-1 Receptor Family

Background:

• Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) is an interleukin-1 receptor family member.
• sST2 influences hypertrophic and fibrotic responses.
• Prognostic value of sST2 in aortic valve replacement (AVR) patients requires systematic evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically evaluate the prognostic value of sST2 for mortality in patients undergoing AVR.
• To conduct a meta-analysis on the association between sST2 levels and post-AVR mortality.

Main Methods:

• Searched PubMed and Embase databases up to October 1, 2017.
• Included studies evaluating the relationship between sST2 levels and mortality after AVR.
• Performed a meta-analysis on data from four selected studies.

Main Results:

• Analyzed data from 1154 patients (mean age 80 years, 14-month follow-up).
• Elevated sST2 levels were significantly associated with a 44% increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.30-1.60).
• The association remained significant with moderate heterogeneity (I²: 44%).

Conclusions:

• sST2 is a significant predictor of all-cause mortality in patients post-AVR.
• The current conclusion is limited by the small number of patients included.
• Larger prospective studies are necessary to fully establish sST2's value for risk stratification in this population.