Prognostic value of plasma galectin-3 levels after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Abstract

Background: Inflammatory responses are correlated with secondary brain injury after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a novel biomarker reflecting inflammation status, and its elevated circulating levels are associated with poor prognosis of some inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between Gal-3 plasma levels and prognosis in a group of aSAH patients. Materials and Methods: We assessed plasma Gal-3 levels in 120 patients and 120 healthy individuals. 6-month clinical outcomes included mortality and unfavorable outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 1–3). Associations of plasma Gal-3 levels with clinical outcomes were investigated using multivariate analysis. Results: Patients showed significantly higher Gal-3 levels as compared to controls. Circulating Gal-3 was significantly and independently associated with 6-month clinical outcomes in the logistic regression analysis. Moreover, we observed a significant correlation between circulating Gal-3 and World Federation of Neurological Surgeons scores and modified Fisher scores. Furthermore, Gal-3 possessed high area under receiver operating characteristic curve for prognostic assessment. Conclusion: Our findings indicate the associations between Gal-3 levels and the severity and poor prognosis following aSAH. This suggests the possible role of Gal-3 in the prognostic prediction after aSAH.