Correlations between basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and clinical features of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)

Abstract

PAH is the result of abnormal pulmonary vascular growth. Elevations in bFGF and VEGF have been noted in animal models, but growth factors that cause PAH in humans are unknown. We measured serum and urine bFGF and VEGF in 76 stable pts with PAH (primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH)=51, collagen vascular disease (CVD)=15, congenital heart disease (CHD)=10), and 10 controls. Growth factors were correlated against age, gender, etiology, NYHA Functional Class, current medications, and hemodynamics.