Serum concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor in relation to retinopathy of prematurity.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the pathogenesis of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) has been clearly established. However, little is known about temporal changes in circulating VEGF concentrations in the preterm infant. The objective was to determine the longitudinal serum concentrations of VEGF in relation to ROP.

Methods

This study included 52 infants born at <31 wk gestational age (non-ROP n = 33, nonproliferative ROP n = 10, treated for ROP n = 9). VEGF concentrations were analyzed in blood samples collected at birth, at 3 d postnatal age, and then weekly until at least a gestational age of 35 wk.

Results

VEGF concentrations at birth did not differ between groups, independent of later ROP status. In contrast, VEGF serum concent

SUBMITTER: Hellgren G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5788569 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature