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Factors influencing plasma galectin-3 concentrations in catheter-bearing hospitalized patients

Introduction: Catheters are an integral part of modern medicine although their use is not without complications. Catheter-related infection triggers a strong inflammatory reaction and has been associated with high morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. The clinical diagnosis of catheter-related infection is made difficult by non-specific symptoms. Investigating the alterations in biochemical parameters related to infec-tious and inflammatory processes in these patients constitute an active line of re-search. The aim of this study was to investigate factors influencing the plasma concen-tration of galectin-3 in catheter-bearing patients and to explore its potential usefulness as an index for catheter-related infections. Methods: Circulating concentrations of galectin-3, chemokine (C-C) motif ligand 2, pro-calcitonin and C-reactive protein were measured in 110 patients with a central venous catheter, 165 patients with a urinary catheter, and 72 control subjects. Results: Catheter-bearing patients had significantly higher concentrations of galectin-3 and the other markers than the control group. We identified chronic kidney disease as an independent determinant of plasma galectin-3 concentrations in patients with a central catheter, and serum creatinine concentration, cardiovascular disease and the number of days the catheter was indwelling as determinants in urinary catheter pa-tients. We also found that measuring galectin-3 in urinary catheter patients with a catheter-related infection was more accurate for diagnosis than the other parameters. At galectin-3 = 15 ng/mL, sensitivity was 90%. Conclusion: We conclude that measurement of galectin-3 concentration may be useful for assessing the inflammatory status of catheter-bearing patients and may contribute to the diagnosis of catheter-related infection in those with a urinary catheter.