level of Interleukin 6 in septic and aseptic meningitis

ABSTRACT

In this study the level of interleukin-6 [IL[6]] was evaluated in cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] and serum of septic [n=14] and aseptic meningitis [n=16] patients, in addition to its evaluation in 10 controls. CSF IL6 was elevated in 85.7% of patients with septic meningitis [SM] [mean 1471. 4 pg/ml] and in 43.7% of aseptic meningitis [AM] patients [mean 192.8 pg/ml], the difference in between was significant [P< 0. 0001]. Elevation of serum IL[6] was found in 28. 6% of the SM group [means 192.8 pg/ml] and none of the AM group [mean 122.5]. CRP was elevated in CSF and serum of SM and Am groups. Positive correlation was found between IL[6] and CRP in CSF and serum but not with other inflammatory parameters. It is concluded that marked elevation of IL[6] in patients with meningitis suggest a septic aetiology. It is also claimed that IL[6] plays a role in aseptic meningitis which is believed to be dependant on the causative agent