Vascular endothelial growth factor in children with cyanotic and acyanotic and congenital heart disease

摘要

IntroductionVascular endothelial growth factor is a potent stimulator of angiogenesis. Children with cyanotic congenital heart disease often experience the development of widespread formation of collateral blood vessels, which may represent a form of abnormal angiogenesis resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. We undertook the present study to determine whether children with cyanotic congenital heart disease have elevated serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor compared to children with acyanotic heart disease.