Association of polymorphism +936C/T of VEGF with the degree of severity of premature retinopathy

Abstract

Introduction: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEFG) is a regulator in angiogenesis. VEGF polymorphisms have been associated with proliferative retinopathy.

Objective: To determine the association of the VEGF + 936C/T polymorphism with the severity of Retinopathy of Prematurity.

Material and Methods: comparative cross-sectional study, 100 preterm patients < 34 weeks or < 1750 grams were included, dividing them into 2 groups, a) Cases: Patients with Threshold Retinopathy (any stage with plus in zone I, stage 3, without plus in zone I or stage 2 or 3 with plus in zone II) b) Controls: any stadium other than those mentioned. Extraction of DNA in saliva by Chelex technique, a fragment of the VEGF 198bp gene that flanks the VEGF +936 polymorphism was amplified. Sample with formula for two proportions. Descriptive statistics with medians and ranges. Inferential with chi square and Mann Whitney’s U. Association with Momios. Ethics Committee R-2018-1302-041.

Results: risk factors with significant OR were found for gestational age less than 28 weeks and sepsis. Significance p = < 0.05 low maternal education, prolonged oxygen and CPAP. When genotyping patients, 19 patients were excluded due to non-amplification of genetic material, leaving 81 patients, n = 35 (43%) cases and n = 46 controls (56%). 43.21% had the polymorphism (n = 35) and 56.89% did not (n = 46). Of the patients with polymorphism, 42% (n = 15) had threshold retinopathy, of which 43% (n = 20) did not.

Conclusions: No significant association was found of the VEGF +936 polymorphism with the threshold disease, or with the stage or plus of the disease.