Clinical significance of maternal serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level in idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether maternal serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels are associated with unexplained recurrent pregnancy losses (RPLs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-one pregnant women with idiopathic RPLs who were selected from 47 cases with RPLs were compared with age-matched 24 control participants. Transvaginal obstetric ultrasonographies were performed and maternal serum samples were collected between 5th and 10th gestational weeks to evaluate serum VEGF and progesterone (P4) concentrations. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique was used in measurements of VEGF and P4. RESULTS: Prevalence of idiopathic cases among all RPLs was 44.7%. Median serum VEGF value was found statistically higher in RPL group when compared to control group (210.33 +/- 108.23 pg/ml vs. 123.91 +/- 18.8 pg/ml, respectively). There was no statistical difference between the median values of serum P4 levels in idiopathic RPL group and the control group (19.53 +/- 5.79 ng/ml and 20.08 +/- 7.85 ng/ml, respectively). Serum VEGF levels did not differ significantly with regard to gestational age within the RPL and control groups (p = 0.72 and p = 0.89, respectively). A positive correlation was found between VEGF levels and the patients' age within RPL group (r = 0.515). CONCLUSIONS: Serum VEGF levels are independent by the gestational age. Serum VEGF concentrations correlate positively to maternal age. Increased maternal age, especially maternal age over 35 years, is related to elevated serum VEGF concentration. Increased maternal serum VEGF concentration is related with recurrent pregnancy loss.