Biomarkers in pediatric heart failure

A biomarker is intended to provide additional information regarding the diagnosis, prognosis and/or treatment of a disease process. A useful biomarker must be reliable, reproducible, valid and easy to use. Considerations for ease of use of any biomarker include availability of the test, cost, turnaround time and ability of the provider to interpret the results. However, the utility and significance of biomarkers extends beyond their added value to clinical practice. Biomarkers are also commonly used as clinical trial endpoints, a particularly important consideration in pediatric heart failure (HF) where clinical trials are challenged by the inherent heterogeneity and low incidence of disease.
Source: Progress in Pediatric Cardiology - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research