Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) as a Predictor ofActive Acromegaly

Abstract

Objectives: To compare vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels between active and controlled acromegalypatients, to investigate the relationship of VEGF levels with growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) levels, and to examine the predictive value of VEGF for active disease. Methods: Adults (≥18 years) diagnosed with acromegaly were included. Blood samples were collected to measure GH,IGF-1, and VEGF levels. Disease activity was determined according to the criteria established in 2010 by the AcromegalyConsensus Group. Results: Seventy-four acromegaly patients (28 with active disease, and 46 with controlled acromegaly, mean age48±14 years) were enrolled. The basal GH and IGF-1 levels were significantly higher in the active acromegaly group thanthe controlled acromegaly group (p