Biomarkers of cardiac function and outcome in univentricular congenital heart disease

Abstract

A biomarker is a clinical characteristic that predicts the presence of a specific physiological state, degree of severity of a pathophysiological state, or long-term outcome resulting from that state. Broadly defined, a biomarker can be a clinical parameter, or the result of a biochemical assay or imaging measure. Children are imperfect historians and cardiac disease may mimic other organ system diseases. Hence, reliable biomarkers can greatly enhance diagnosis and management of pediatric cardiac disease. In this review, we discuss the use of biomarkers in managing complex congenital heart disease characterized by single ventricle physiology.