In addition, blood VEGF levels were increased in patients with TPE compared with those with transudate effusion or effusion due to CHF and cirrhosis (SMD = 0.97; 95% CI, 0.36 to 1.57; p = 0.002) (Fig 3), whereas blood VEGF levels were decreased in patients with TPE compared with those with MPE (SMD = -1.30; 95% CI, 2.30 to 0.31; I2 = 94%; p = 0.011) (Fig 4). The gene discussed is VEGFA; the disease is congestive heart failure.