Vascular endothelial growth factor polymorphism rs2010963 status does not affect patent ductus arteriosus incidence or cyclooxygenase inhibitor treatment success in preterm infants.

BACKGROUND

Vascular endothelial growth factor is critically involved in ductus arteriosus closure. Polymorphisms in the vascular endothelial growth factor gene have been associated with several diseases in neonates and adults.

AIM: Herein, we investigated if vascular endothelial growth factor polymorphism rs2010963 status is associated with patent ductus arteriosus incidence and/or pharmacological treatment success.

METHODS

We assessed rs2010963 status in 814 preterm infants (<1500 g birth weight) by means of restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. DNA samples were obtained from dry-spot cards used for the German national newborn screening program. Clinical data were obtained by retrospective chart review.

RESULTS

We could not find any statistically significant difference in the incidence of patent ductus arteriosus depending on vascular endothelial growth factor rs2010963 polymorphism status. Furthermore, no statistically significant associations between vascular endothelial growth factor polymorphism rs2010963 status and cyclooxygenase inhibitor treatment success were observed.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that there is no association between vascular endothelial growth factor polymorphism rs2010963 status and the occurrence of patent ductus arteriosus or the response to cyclooxygenase inhibitor treatment in a large cohort of preterm infants. Additional studies are needed to determine the role of genetic factors on patent ductus arteriosus incidence and treatment response.