VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR AS A MARKER OF LUNG MATURITY

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the role of vascular endothelial growth factor in the biological maturity of newborn infants, and corre:ate its level to the clinical respiratory outcome. The study comprised of 60 newborn infants with different gestational ages selected from the NICU and the General Nursery of the Pediatrics and Gynecology& Obstetrics, Ain Shams University Hospital. Selection was as follows:

Group I comprised of 15 term newborn healthy mean of G.A

37.40 + 0.63 wks.

Group II comprised of 15 term newborn diseased and mechanically ventilated mean G.A 37.60 ± 0.73 wks. Group III comprised of 15 preterm newborn healthy mean of G.A 35.60 ± 0.63 wks. Group IV comprised of 15 preterm newborn diseased (RDS) mean of G.A 32,06 ± 0.96 and mechanically ventilated. A thorough history was taken with special emphasis on antenatal history, mode of delivery, and apgar score assessment. The infants were subjected to thorough clinical examination, blood gas analysis, and chest roentgeno grams for assessment of the disease status. Laboratory evaluation of VEGF in tracheal aspirates and serum were performed.