Galectin-3, GDF-15, and sST2 for the assessment of disease severity and therapy response in patients suffering from inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

This study examined sST2, GDF-15, and galectin-3 as indicators of disease severity and therapy response in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). This study included 57 inoperable CTEPH patients who underwent balloon pulmonary angioplasty and 25 controls without cardiovascular disease. Biomarker levels were examined in relation to advanced hemodynamic impairment [tertile with worst right atrial pressure (RAP) and cardiac index], hemodynamic therapy response [normalized hemodynamics (meanPAP ≤25 mmHg, PVR ≤3 WU and RAP ≤6 mmHg) or a reduction of meanPAP ≥25%; PVR ≥ 35%, RAP ≥25%]. GDF-15 [820 (556-1315) pg/ml vs. 370 (314-516) pg/ml; GDF-15 and sST2 levels are higher in CTEPH and identified patients with advanced hemodynamic impairment. Further, decreased GDF-15 levels at follow-up were associated with hemodynamic therapy response. The diagnostic strength was not superior to NT-proBNP.