Galectin-3 and outcomes after anterior-wall myocardial infarction treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Aim: Galectin-3 (Gal-3), a biomarker of inflammation, tissue repair and fibrogenesis, is associated to left ventricular remodeling after ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI), but its relation with long-term outcomes is unclear. Methods: In 103 consecutive patients with a first anterior STEMI treated by primary angioplasty, we assayed Gal-3 and NT-proBNP. Results: Age was 65 (56-76) years, 28% were women. During 18 +/- 13 months, 20 patients (19.4%) died or were admitted for heart failure. After adjustment for age, gender, renal and ventricular function, troponin, NT-proBNP and Gal-3 independently predicted the combined end point (hazard ratio: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.05-1.17; per 1 ng/ml increase). Event-free survival was 42.3 versus 93.5% for Gal-3 >= versus <16.8 ng/ml (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Among anterior STEMI patients, early postangioplasty Gal-3 levels may be useful for risk stratification.