Study of VEGF A and VEGF R2 Levels in ROP

Beri S MD, Goyal M MBBS, Garg R MD, Saili A* MD, Jain A**MD, Souza P D MS.

Department of Ophthalmology & Biochemistry**, Pediatrics* Lady Hardinge Medical College New Delhi.

Purpose: To study the relationship of serum levels of VEGF A and VEGF R2 with ROP.

Materials & methods: 200 preterm babies (<32 weeks PCA, <1600 grams birth weight) were examined at 33-34 weeks PCA (1st visit) and their serum was stored. Repeat serum samples were taken at 38-40 weeks (2nd visit) for 60 babies - 30 with ROP (Group A) and 30 without ROP (Group B). Both samples of these 60 babies were estimated for VEGF A and VEGF R2 by ELISA.

Result: At 33-34 weeks, mean VEGF A (pg/ml) in Group A and B was 46.66±15.16 and 53.33±25.01 respectively. Similarly mean VEGF R2 (pg/ml) was 7317.77±5550.3 and 6302.27±4652.91 respectively. At 38-42 weeks mean VEGF A (pg/ml) in Group A and B was 20.2±13.63 and 24.6±11.76 respectively. Similarly mean VEGF R2 (pg/ml) was 5566.67±1768.17 and 5868.33±4030.05 respectively.

Conclusions: There was a statistically significant fall in VEGF A levels at second visit in both the groups. There was a significant fall in VEGF R2 levels also in both groups, but more so in Group A suggesting its protective role in development of ROP.