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Predictive value of plasma galectin-3 levels in heart failure with reduced and preserved ejection fraction

Rudolf A de Boer1, Dirk J A Lok, Tiny Jaarsma

  • 1Department of Cardiology, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, PO Box 30 001, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands. r.a.deboer@thorax.umcg.nl

Annals of Medicine
|December 30, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Galectin-3 is an independent predictor of outcomes in heart failure (HF) patients. This biomarker is especially valuable for predicting prognosis in individuals with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biomarker Research
  • Heart Failure Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Galectin-3 has emerged as a potential biomarker for heart failure (HF).
  • Previous studies on galectin-3 in HF cohorts were limited in size and scope, primarily focusing on systolic HF.
  • The prognostic value of galectin-3 across different left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) statuses requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the prognostic significance of baseline galectin-3 levels in a large, diverse heart failure cohort.
  • To compare the predictive capabilities of galectin-3 against other established biomarkers.
  • To assess the utility of galectin-3 in patients with both preserved and reduced LVEF.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 592 hospitalized heart failure patients was prospectively followed for 18 months.
  • The primary endpoint combined all-cause mortality and HF re-hospitalization.
  • Galectin-3 levels were analyzed at baseline and, in a subset, at 6 months; comparisons were made with other biomarkers like BNP, IL-6, CRP, and eGFR.

Main Results:

  • A twofold increase in galectin-3 was associated with a 97% higher risk of the primary outcome (HR 1.97).
  • Even after multivariable adjustment (including age, gender, BNP, eGFR, diabetes), galectin-3 remained an independent predictor (HR 1.38).
  • Galectin-3 showed stronger predictive value in patients with preserved LVEF compared to those with reduced LVEF and correlated positively with IL-6 and CRP.

Conclusions:

  • Galectin-3 serves as an independent prognostic marker for adverse outcomes in heart failure patients.
  • Its predictive utility is particularly pronounced in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).
  • Combining galectin-3 with BNP may enhance prognostic accuracy beyond individual biomarkers.
Abstract

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