Maternal serum interleukin-6 and its association with clinicopathological infectious morbidity in preterm premature rupture of membranes: a prospective cohort study

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the association of maternal serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) with fetomaternal outcome in preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Methods: Serial serum IL-6 levels were measured in 45 women with PPROM at gestation 24–34 weeks. The women were followed till pueperium and fetomaternal outcome as well as the histopathology of the placenta and the umblical cord was studied. The data were analyzed using t test and χ² test. Results: IL-6 levels ≥ 8 pg/ml were significantly associated with puerperal sepsis and neonatal sepsis. Histological chorioamnionitis and funisitis were demonstrated in 48.8% and 13.3% women respectively and significantly correlated with elevated serum IL-6 levels and fetomaternal infection. A cut-off value of IL-6 of 8 pg/ml was found to correctly diagnose 19 out of 23 patients with infectious morbidity and showed the best sensitivity (82.6%) and specificity (86.3%) as compared to the total leucocycte count (TLC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in diagnosing infection in PPROM. Conclusion: Maternal serum IL-6 can be used as a biomarker to predict preclinical asymptomatic infection in PPROM with good sensitivity and specificity.

Keywords::

• Chorioamnionitis
• funisitis
• neonatal sepsis
• ELISA
• cytokines

Declaration of Interest: The authors report no declaration of interest.