Vascular endothelial growth factor and colour Doppler ultrasonography in knee osteoarthritis: Relation to pain and physical function

Abstract Aim of the work To investigate the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in serum and synovial fluid of patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and to determine the relationship of VEGF levels with clinical manifestation, physical function, radiographic grading and ultrasonography (US) findings. Patients and methods 45 patients with KOA and 15 matched control subjects were enrolled. Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) was scored, knee X-rays assessed using Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) scale and superficial gray scale and colour Doppler US were done. Serum and synovial VEGF levels were analyzed. Results The 45 patients mean age was 56.5 ± 11.2 years; 39 females and 6 males (F:M 6.5:1). 30 (66.7%) patients had bilateral symptomatic KOA. Knee effusion was mild in 4, moderate in 26 and severe in 21. The mean WOMAC score was 70.9 ± 10.7; pain (14.7 ± 3.4); stiffness (6.2 ± 1.4) and disability (49.2 ± 12.4). The serum VEGF level was 0.29 ± 1.02 pg/ml and the synovial 0.48 ± 0.1 pg/ml both significantly increased compared to the control (0.14 ± 0.7 pg/ml and 0.33 ± 0.1 respectively, p  Conclusion Serum and synovial VEGF correlated with clinical, functional, radiographic and US severity in KOA patients. Both VEGF and musculoskeletal ultrasound may serve as promising potential tools for evaluating disease severity in KOA.