Using the galectin-3 test to predict mortality in heart failure patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a new biomarker for assessing prognosis of heart failure (HF) patients. This systemic review and meta-analysis aims to examine Gal-3's ability in assessing prognosis of HF patients.We searched MEDLINE and Embase up to November 2014. Test performance characteristics were summarized using forest plots and hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curves.The diagnostic odds ratio of Gal-3 in predicting mortality in chronic HF patients was 2.36 (95% CI: 1.71-3.26) and 2.30 (95% CI: 1.76-3.01) in acute HF patients.Elevated levels of Gal-3 are associated with mortality in both acute and chronic HF patients. However, current evidence does not support sole use of Gal-3 for prognosis evaluation of HF patients.