Galectin-3: Heart failure biomarker in pediatric heart defects

Galectin-3 (Gal-3), a β-galactoside-binding lectin, has emerged as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for various diseases, including certain heart and kidney diseases, as well as cancer. Its significance is particularly notable in the context of congenital heart defects (CHD), which are the most prevalent congenital malformations, occurring in 6 to 8 out of every 1000 live births. Symptoms of heart failure (HF) in patients with congenital heart defects can manifest early in life, but in some cases, the disease progresses gradually, leading to a gradual decline in quality of life and the development of various complications. This variability underscores the need for early biomarkers to detect HF development in pediatric patients. Gal-3 plays a key role in myocardial remodeling, making it a promising candidate for advancing the diagnosis and management of HF in CHD patients. It is especially relevant in pediatric care, where early detection and intervention can significantly alter disease progression and patient outcomes. This review aims to consolidate current knowledge on the utility of Gal-3 in predicting HF among pediatric patients with CHD, highlighting its potential in changing the direction of diagnosis and treatment in this vulnerable patient population.