Can galectin-3 be used to predict the severity of vasoocclusive crisis in patients with sickle cell anaemia?

Objective: The number of markers showing the severity of the disease and the number of drugs that can be used in the treatment is very low in vasooclusive crises seen in patients with sickle cell anemia. This study aims to evaluate the levels and changes of serum galectin-3 levels, which are known to have many roles in the body, during a painful crisis. Material and Methods: In addition to the 0th and 48th hour galectin-3 levels in patients hospitalized for a painful crisis, galectin-3 measurements were also performed in stable patients with sickle cell anemia and healthy individuals. Results: Galectin-3 levels were statistically significantly different in patient groups (p=0.001). It was observed that galectin-3 levels at the 48th hour were markedly higher than at the 0th hour in patients with painful crises. It was found that galectin-3 levels at both 0th and 48th hours were correlated with the duration of hospitalization due to painful crisis and the period of intravenous opioid use. Conclusion: Galectin-3 levels, which are elevated during the painful crisis in patients with sickle cell anemia, are associated with the severity of the painful crisis