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Updated: Feb 9, 2026
A Simple Bioassay for the Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
Published on: March 15, 2016
Vascular endothelial growth factor and pulmonary hypertension in children with beta thalassemia major
Usama M Alkholy1, Soma Abdalla Mohamed2, Marwa Elhady2
1Zagazig University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Kassala, Egypt.
Insights
Children with beta-thalassemia major and pulmonary artery hypertension have higher vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels. Elevated VEGF is an independent risk factor for this condition in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Hematology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Beta-thalassemia major is a severe inherited blood disorder.
- Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is a serious complication in children with beta-thalassemia major.
- The role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in PAH associated with beta-thalassemia major requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) in children with beta-thalassemia major.
- To identify VEGF as a potential biomarker for PAH in this pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 116 children with beta-thalassemia major (58 with PAH, 58 without PAH) and 58 healthy controls.
- Serum VEGF levels were measured using ELISA.
- Echocardiography was performed to assess pulmonary artery pressure.
Main Results:
- Serum VEGF levels were significantly elevated in children with beta-thalassemia major and PAH compared to those without PAH and healthy controls (p<0.001).
- VEGF levels positively correlated with pulmonary artery pressure and serum ferritin, and negatively with chelation therapy duration.
- Elevated VEGF was an independent risk factor for PAH (OR=1.5, p=0.005), with a cutoff >169pg/mL showing 93.1% sensitivity and specificity.
Conclusions:
- Elevated serum VEGF is significantly associated with pulmonary artery hypertension in children with beta-thalassemia major.
- VEGF may serve as a valuable diagnostic biomarker for PAH in pediatric beta-thalassemia patients.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to illustrate the association between vascular endothelial growth factor level and pulmonary artery hypertension in children with β-thalassemia major.
Method:
This case-control study was conducted on 116 children with β-thalassemia major; 58 of them had pulmonary artery hypertension. They were compared to 58 healthy children who were age and sex-matched (control group). Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and echocardiographic assessment were done for all children.
Results:
Vascular endothelial growth factor serum level was significantly higher in children with β-thalassemia major with pulmonary artery hypertension than in those without pulmonary artery hypertension, as well as in control groups (p<0.001). Vascular endothelial growth factor serum level had a significant positive correlation with pulmonary artery pressure and serum ferritin, as well as a significant negative correlation with the duration of chelation therapy. Logistic regression analysis revealed that elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (Odd Ratio=1.5; 95% Confidence Interval, 1.137-2.065; p=0.005) was an independent risk factor of pulmonary artery hypertension in such children. Vascular endothelial growth factor serum level at a cutoff point of >169pg/mL had 93.1% sensitivity and 93.1% specificity for the presence of pulmonary artery hypertension in children with β-thalassemia major.
Conclusion:
Elevated vascular endothelial growth factor serum level is associated with pulmonary artery hypertension in children with β-thalassemia.
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