Role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the neurological manifestations of dengue: a preliminary study.

This study reports on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in dengue patients with neurological manifestations. Their bleeding diathesis, hypotension, edema, flushing, and hepatosplenomegaly were noted. Complete blood counts, serum chemistry, coagulation profile, liver and kidney function tests, creatine kinase (CK), and MRI in encephalopathic patients were carried out. Serum VEGF was estimated by ELISA in 21 dengue patients and 14 controls. Twelve patients had dengue fever (DF), eight dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), and one dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Fifteen patients had neurological manifestation, 12 had muscle involvement (raised CK with or without weakness), and 3 had encephalopathy. The VEGF level in dengue patients was 50.0 ± 56.1 pg/mL and in the controls, 60.6 ± 20.3 pg/mL. The VEGF level neither correlated with the severity nor with the neurological involvement. Thrombocytopenia, however, correlated with the severity of dengue and neurological manifestations. The VEGF level is not related to the severity of dengue and neurological syndrome.