Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-8, and interferon-alpha serum levels in neonatal sepsis and septic shock

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to evaluate TNF-alpha, IL-8 IFN- gamma serum levels as markers for the diagnosis and prognosis of neonatal sepsis and septic shock. TNF-alpha was measured by enzyme immunoassay [EIA], while IL-8 and IFN-gamma were assessed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] in serum samples from 65 newborns with proven sepsis. Serum levels of TNF-alpha and IL-8 were significantly higher in newborns with Gram-negative than in those with Gram-positive bacterial infections. TNF-alpha serum levels correlated positively with IL-8. However, there was no significant correlation between TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma or between IL-8 and IFN-gamma. In conclusion, elevated serum levels of TNF- alpha and IL-8 could be considered as sensitive and specific parameters for predicting sepsis, septic shock and their clinical outcomes in newborn infants