Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A in Pediatric Hemophilic Arthropathy

Abstract Background Hemophilia A is a hereditary bleeding disorder caused by the lack of blood clotting factor VIII. The incidence is about 1 in 5000. Although some progresses have been made in the treatment of the disease, arthropathy caused by joint bleeding is still a challenge to prevent and treat, which often results in joint deformity and disability, Biomarkers may give us the chance to early predict the joint arthropathy. Objective assess the level of serum VEGF-A as a vascular biomarker in children with hemophilia A to identify its possible role in hemophilic arthropathy and its severity. Methods This study included thirty child patients with clinical evidence of hemophilic arthropathy and thirty healthy matched age and sex as controls. All underwent history taking, clinical examination, Laboratory investigations including Vascular endothelial growth factor A. Results serum VEGF-A levels were significantly higher in patients than control group (p > 0,001) with sensitivity of 83.33% and specificity of 70.0%.it showed significant positive correlation with hemophilia severity (r=-0.734)(p < 0.001). Conclusion serum VEGF-A level was higher in Hemophilic patients which serve as a diagnostic marker for HA, also its significant correlation with severity may serve as a marker for disease progression and severity.