Circulating Galectin-3 and Aldosterone for Predicting Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence after Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation

Abstract

Background. Circulating galectin-3 (Gal-3) and aldosterone (ALD) are involved in fibrosis and inflammation. However, their potential value as predictors of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is unknown or controversial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the relationship between baseline Gal-3, ALD levels, and AF recurrence in patients performing RFCA. Methods. 153 consecutive patients undergoing RFCA were included. Gal-3 and ALD were measured at baseline. Univariate and multivariate Cox regressions were performed to determine the predictors of AF recurrence. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curve were used to assess the value of predictors. Results. There were 35 (22.88%) cases of AF recurrence after RFCA. The recurrence group had significantly higher preoperative serum levels of Gal-3 and ALD than the nonrecurrence group. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that Gal-3 (HR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.04-1.56, p=0.02) and ALD (OR=1.02, 95% CI: 1.00-1.03, p14.57 pg/ml+ALD>243.61 pg/ml was higher than that in patients with baseline Gal−3>14.57 pg/ml or ALD>243.61 pg/ml and patients with Gal−3≤14.57 pg/ml+ALD≤243.61 pg/ml (57% vs. 14% vs. 9%, p<0.01, respectively). Conclusion. AF recurrence after RFCA had higher baseline Gal-3 and ALD levels, and higher preoperative circulating Gal-3 and ALD levels were independent predictors of AF recurrence for patients undergoing RFCA, while combination of preoperative Gal-3 and ALD levels has higher prediction accuracy.