Genetic polymorphisms have been recognized as important determinants of gene expression. Three common single nucleotide polymorphisms have been identified in the promoter and 5' untranslated region of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene: -460 C --> T, -141 A --> C and +405 G --> C. As VEGF has been postulated to play a role in the pathogenesis of childhood steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS), this study tested the hypothesis that VEGF genotype may be associated with susceptibility to SSNS. We examined the genotype frequencies of these polymorphisms in a total of 116 children with SSNS and 150 control subjects, using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (PCR-RFLP). There were no statistically significant differences in any of the genotype frequencies between SSNS patients and controls. We conclude that VEGF -460, -141 and +405 genotypes are not associated with susceptibility to childhood SSNS.