PROBLEM: This study was conducted to determine whether altered levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may play a role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

METHOD OF STUDY: Maternal plasma samples were collected from 19 patients with preeclampsia (group A) either before the onset of labor, or before induction of labor or medical intervention. Plasma samples were also obtained from 19 normotensive patients with uncomplicated pregnancies (group B), who were matched with the patients with preeclampsia for gestational age and parity. Samples were frozen at −70°C until assayed for VEGF by a specific enzyme‐linked immunoassay.

RESULTS: The mean maternal age was similar in groups A and B. For both groups the VEGF was detectable in all plasma samples. However, the plasma concentrations of VEGF were significantly increased in the group A patients, compared with those in group B (median, 47ng/ml; range, 10.6–72 ng/ml versus median, 13.6 ng/ml; range, 0.66‐20 ng/ml; P < 0.001). In group A, a positive correlation was noted between VEGF concentrations and the systolic and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.56; P = 0.01 and r = 0.48; P = 0.037, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: Maternal plasma VEGF levels were elevated in the patients with preeclampsia and correlated with the severity of hypertension, suggesting a role for VEGF in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.