Tocolytic failure in association with elevated tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 6

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha] and interleukin 6 [IL-6] in identifying women with preterm labor and at risk for tocolytic failure. It was conducted on 100 pregnant women with threatened preterm labor and intact membrane. The cases were divided into two groups Group one included 35 women with failed response to tocolysis and group two consisted of 65 women with successful tocolytic response. Human cervicovaginal TNF-alpha and IL-6 were assessed in both groups. A significant higher value of TNF-alpha was found in group one with 100% sensitivity and 89% specificity in identifying women who failed tocolysis and IL-6 was significantly high in group one. Cervicovaginal IL-6 > 200 pg/ml identified women who failed tocolysis with 88.9% sensitivity and 50.5% specificity, so it is sensitive but not specific in predicting tocolytic response