Systemic Production of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and <i>fms</i> -Like Tyrosine Kinase-1 Receptor in Acute Kawasaki Disease

Abstract

These findings suggest that VEGF and flt-1 are upregulated in blood vessels in many organs of acute KD. Expression of KDR was limited to the early stage of acute KD. The roles of VEGF in acute KD may involve promotion of vascular permeability and macrophage activation. Low serum albumin may indicate overproduction of VEGF in acute KD.