Diagnostic value of cytokines in neonatal infections

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the role of IL-6 and TNF-alpha as early markers of bacterial or fungal infection in neonates, serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha were examined in 60 newborns using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The infants were categorized into three groups Group I [20 patients with positive bacterial or fungal blood cultures], group II [20 patients with negative blood culture but with evidence of clinical sepsis] and group III [20 healthy newborns]. The results showed that the mean IL-6 of group I was significantly higher than controls [12.13 +/- 490.28 versus 29.37 +/- 12.05 pg/ml]. Also, the mean TNF-alpha was significantly higher in group I than controls [903 +/- 501.52 versus 26.12 +/- 10.05 pg/ml]. After the start of therapy, both TSF-alpha and IL-6 decreased concomitantly with the improvement of the clinical condition. It was concluded that TSF-alpha and IL-6 levels significantly increase in neonates with sepsis than healthy neonates