Galectin-3 and ST2 as predictors of therapeutic success in high-risk patients undergoing percutaneous mitral valve repair (MitraClip)

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR) is an interventional treatment option in patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) and at high risk for open‐heart surgery. Currently, limited information exists about predictors of procedural success after PMVR. Galectin‐3 (Gal‐3) and suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) induce fibrotic alterations in severe MR and heart failure. We sought to examine the predictive value of Gal‐3 and ST2 as specific indicators of therapeutic success in high‐risk patients undergoing PMVR. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesize that extended cardiac fibrotic alterations might have impact on successful MR reduction after the MitraClip procedure. METHODS: A total of 210 consecutive patients undergoing PMVR using the MitraClip system were included in this study. Procedural success was defined as an immediate reduction of MR by ≥2 grades, assessed by echocardiography. Venous blood samples were collected prior to PMVR and at 6 months follow‐up for biomarker analysis. RESULTS: After PMVR there was a significant reduction in the severity of MR (MR grade: 3 ±0.3 vs 1.6 ±0.6, P