The potential prognostic utility of salivary galectin-3 concentrations in heart failure.

backgroundPatients with HF are at a higher risk of rehospitalisation and, as such, significant costs to our healthcare system. A non-invasive method to collect body fluids and measure Gal-3 could improve the current management of HF. In this study, we investigated the potential prognostic utility of salivary Galectin-3 (Gal-3) in patients with heart failure (HF).

methodsWe collected saliva samples from patients with HF (n = 105) either at hospital discharge or during routine clinical visits. Gal-3 concentrations in saliva samples were measured by ELISA. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis and Cox proportional regression model were used to determine the potential prognostic utility of salivary Gal-3 concentrations.

resultsThe primary end point was either cardiovascular death or hospitalisation. Salivary Gal-3 concentrations were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in patients with HF who subsequently experienced the primary endpoint compared to those who did not. HF patients with salivary Gal-3 concentrations > 172.58 ng/mL had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher cumulative risk of the primary endpoint compared to those with lower salivary Gal-3 concentrations. In patients with HF, salivary Gal-3 concentration was a predictor of the primary endpoint even after adjusting for other covariates.

conclusionsIn our pilot study, HF patients with salivary Gal-3 concentrations of > 172.58 ng/mL demonstrated a higher cumulative risk of the primary outcome compared to those with lower Gal-3 levels, even after adjusting for other variables. Confirming our findings in a larger multi-centre clinical trial in the future would enable salivary Gal-3 measurements to form part of routine management for patients with HF.