Increased Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors in Nasopharyngeal Aspirates from Children with Acute RSV Bronchiolitis / 소아알레르기및호흡기학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Viral infection is known as one of the dominant risk factors for wheezing in children hospitalized before 2 years of age. Although the major viral pathogen associated with wheezing is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the mechanisms of wheezing remain unclear. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major mediator of angiogenesis and vascular permeability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between VEGF concentration and wheezing in children with acute RSV bronchiolitis. METHODS: Ninety-four children with acute bronchiolitis who were admitted to Korea University Anam Hospital were enrolled in this study. Based on the proven viral agents, children with bronchiolitis were divided into 2 groups those who were infected with RSV (RSV (+) group, n=51) and those who were not (RSV (-) group, n=43). A complete history taking, physical examination and routine laboratory tests were performed on all children. VEGF levels in serum and nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPA) were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: NPA VEGF levels were significantly higher in the RSV (+) group than in the RSV (-) group (331.8+/-197.8 vs. 204.5+/-97.0 pg/mL, P=0.002). The duration of wheezing is significantly longer in the RSV (+) group than in the RSV (-) group (3.8+/-2.7 days vs. 2.4+/-1.8 days, P=0.037). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that children with RSV bronchiolitis may have significantly higher NPA VEGF levels than those without, which may be associated with a longer duration of wheezing in those with RSV bronchiolitis.