Can we define migraine patients with blood high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and galectin-3 levels in the emergency department?

Introduction: Migraine, the most widespread cause of headache in young adults, is a frequent reason for presentation to emergency departments. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of serum galectin-3 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in migraine patients.

Material And Methods: Serum galectin-3 and hsCRP levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 70 migraine patients and 70 healthy control subjects.

Results: The mean values of hsCRP and galectin-3 levels were significantly higher in the migraine group than those in the control group (1.67 ±0.49, 1.12 ±0.38 mg/l, < 0.001; and 3.76 ±1.45, 2.05 ±0.29 ng/ml, < 0.001, respectively). When the diagnostic values of the biomarkers were assessed in the migraine attack and control groups, the sensitivity and specificity of the test for hsCRP at the cut-off point of 1.32 mg/l were 70% and 73% (AUC = 0.805, 95% CI: 0.74-0.88, < 0.001), and for galectin-3 at the cut-off point of 2.4 ng/ml, 89% and 90% (AUC = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95-0.99, < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions: This study showed the presence of a relation between high serum levels of hsCRP and galectin-3 in migraine patients. However, well-controlled, carefully executed longitudinal studies are required to confirm these findings.