Diagnostic and prognostic value of endothelial dysfunction markers in patients with ulcerative colitis

Abstract

Aim. To assess the endothelial dysfunction degree in patients with ulcerative colitis, depending on the disease attack severity, the pathological process spread, the presence of systemic manifestations, complications, and endoscopic activity of the process.Methods. 45 patients with an established diagnosis of «ulcerative colitis» in the exacerbation phase and with newly diagnosed disease forms were examined. The control group included 11 apparently healthy people. As endothelial dysfunction markers vascular endothelial growth factor levels in serum and blood plasma desquamated endothelial cells amount were studied.Results.In the group of patients with ulcerative colitis a statistically significant increase in levels of endothelial dysfunction markers (the vascular endothelial growth factor content was 506.40±287.00 pg/ml, the plasma desquamated endothelial cells number - 6.47±4.22×104/L) was found compared with the control group (pConclusion. In patients with ulcerative colitis endothelial dysfunction, correlated with disease activity and severity markers, was revealed; vascular endothelial growth factor levels and plasma desquamated endothelial cells number can serve as the ulcerative colitis severity criteria, as well as a sign of unfavorable disease course.