Prognostic role of elevated VEGF in sepsis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: The incidence and mortality of sepsis are increasing year by year, and there is still a lack of specific biomarkers to predict its prognosis. Prognostic value of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in predicting the severity and mortality of sepsis has been gradually discovered.Methods: Literature was searched through Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI) and Cochrane Library databases in March 2022. Observational studies, evaluating the impact of VEGF in sepsis outcomes (mortality and severity) are included in this meta-analysis. Risk of bias was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Sensitivity and publication bias analyses were also assessed. Meta-regression analysis were performed to identify the potential sources of heterogeneity.Result: A total of 1,574 articles were retrieved from the systematic literature search. We included 20 studies for qualitative and quantitative analysis. Deceased and critically ill patients had higher baseline VEGF levels than survivors and non-severe patients. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for VEGF predicts sepsis mortality were 0.79and 0.76, respectively. the area under the SROC curve was 0.83.Conclusion: High VEGF are associated with poor clinical outcomes for patients diagnosed with sepsis. This study was recorded on PROSPERO, under the registration ID: CRD42022323079.

Serum vascular endothelial growth factor independently affects tissue fluid accumulation and is related to deteriorating tissue perfusion and oxygenation in severe sepsis: a prospective observational study

“…We found no signi cant differences in the serum VEGF levels between oliguric and non-oliguric patients. A systemic review and meta-analysis conducted by Tang, A. L. et al revealed that septic patients with high VEGF had poor clinical outcomes (13). However, signi cant heterogeneity between the reviewed studies challenges the study's conclusion.…”

“…Serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels increase in early septic shock and contribute to increased vascular permeability (11). VEGF is also related to increased pulmonary vascular permeability and edema in sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and is associated with poor clinical outcomes (12,13). However, the relationship between serum VEGF levels and tissue perfusion, oxygenation, and edema in sepsis is unexplored.…”

Prognostic Value of HIF-1α-Induced Genes in Sepsis/Septic Shock

“…The results from a recent meta-analysis have demonstrated that VEGFA levels can also accurately predict sepsis mortality, with non-survivors presenting higher values [ 39 ]. Additionally, regarding LDHA, a number of studies have demonstrated that serum lactate levels could be of value in predicting mortality [ 40 , 41 ].…”

Genetically predicted the causal association between circulating inflammatory proteins and sepsis

“…Additionally, several observational studies exhibited a correlation of VEGF levels with sepsis prognosis, thus suggesting that VEGF could function as a potential biomarker for predicting disease severity and outcome [40][41][42][43]. A meta-analysis reinforced the predictive value of VEGF, thus indicating a strong correlation with a higher mortality risk in sepsis [44].…”