Role of point of care - ST ₂ , Galectin-3 and adrenomedullin in the evaluation and treatment of emergency patients

Abstract

There have been many technological advances improving the work up and treatment of patients in the emergency department (ED). Point of care testing (POCT) is becoming more common, especially in the time compressed clinically high-pressured environment of the emergency department. In present times, emphasis of POCT has spurred search of novel biomarkers which promise earlier and more specific detection of disease. This article reviews the role of ST2, Galectin-3 and Adrenomedullin in the acute care setting addressing the screening, diagnostic, and prognostic role of each marker for stratification of patients. Use of these markers has shown a strong correlation with early identification and efficient management in the ED.