Serum Levels of Soluble Vascular Endothelial Cadherin among COVID-19 Children

Abstract Background COVID-19 is an endothelial disease, and the consequent endotheliopathy is responsible for inflammation, cytokine storm, oxidative stress, and coagulopathy. Vascular endothelial cadherin (VE- cadherin) is a strictly endothelial specific adhesion molecule located at junctions between endothelial cells. Aim: serum levels of VE-cadherin was assessed as a marker of endothelial dysfunction among COVID-19 patients compared with healthy controls. Methods Thirty patients with COVID-19 with median age 5.6 (3.3-7.0) years old were enrolled. They were compared with 30 healthy controls. Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction, Covid-19 antibodies, complete blood count, blood gases, C-reactive protein, D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase, serum ferritin and VE-cadherin levels were assessed. Results VE-cadherin levels were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients compared with healthy controls. There was a significant negative correlation between VE-cadherin and platelet count while VE-cadherin was positively correlated to creatinine level. Conclusion VE-cadherin levels are elevated in children and adolescents with COVID- 19 suggesting the presence of endothelial dysfunction. VE-cadherin levels are mainly related to lung and kidney injury in COVID-19 patients.