Assessing Vascular Biomarkers and Their Association with Hypertension in Paediatric Chronic Kidney Disease

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to examine the correlation between children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers, including asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), as well as blood pressure and cardiovascular risk. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 90 children divided into two groups: 45 with CKD with different stages and 45 healthy controls. Blood pressure was taken, and levels of ADMA, Ang-2, and VEGF-A were determined. November 2021 to October 2022 was the time frame of the study. Results: The results showed that children with CKD had significantly higher levels of ADMA, Ang-2, and VEFG-A compared to the control group. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure showed a positive connection with the elevated biomarkers but estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) showed a negative association. Conclusion: Increased cardiovascular risk and antihypertensive have been associated with elevated levels of VEFG-A, Angiopoietin-2, and ADMA in children with chronic kidney disease. These biomarkers might be useful in clinical evaluations to improve therapy and results for children with CKD.