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Serum concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor in relation to retinopathy of prematurity
Gunnel Hellgren1,2, Chatarina Löfqvist2, Anna-Lena Hård2
1Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Insights
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels rise in preterm infants when retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is first detected. These elevated VEGF levels suggest a potential biomarker for ROP development in premature infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal ophthalmology
- Pediatric vascular biology
Background:
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is implicated in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) pathogenesis.
- Longitudinal serum VEGF changes in preterm infants are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate longitudinal serum VEGF concentrations in relation to ROP development in preterm infants.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples collected from 52 infants (<31 wk gestational age) at birth, 3 days, and weekly until 35 wk.
- Infants categorized into non-ROP, nonproliferative ROP, and treated ROP groups.
Main Results:
- No difference in VEGF at birth across ROP groups.
- Significantly higher VEGF at ROP detection in infants later treated for ROP compared to non-ROP infants.
- No difference in VEGF at the time of laser therapy.
Conclusions:
- Elevated circulatory VEGF at ROP onset in infants who develop severe ROP.
- VEGF levels were not elevated at the time of current ROP treatment.
- Further research on VEGF and ROP treatment timing is warranted.
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 concentrations were significantly higher at first detection of ROP in infants who were later treated for ROP compared to infants without ROP. At the time of laser therapy, serum VEGF concentrations did not differ between groups.
Conclusion:
Circulatory concentrations of VEGF, in infants who later developed severe ROP, were elevated at the time when ROP first was detected but not at the time when current treatment most often occurred. This supports the need for further studies of circulating VEGF in relation to the timing of ROP treatment.
