Interleukin 6 in Maternal Serum as Marker of Bacterial Infection and Preterm Delivery

Introduction: Preterm delivery remains a burning issue all over the world, especially in Serbia because of the rate of negative natural increase. IL-6 can stimulate the release of prostaglandins and cause premature contractions and premature labor. Aim of the Study: The aim of this research is to examine the importance of infection in the occurrence of premature contractions and to examine whether the preterm labor is associated with increased concentrations of IL-6 in patients with intact fetal membranes. Patients and Methods: We examined 83 pregnant women. The age range was between 15 and 43 years. The experimental group had 53 pregnant women and a control group was consisted of 30 pregnant women. All pregnant women had singleton pregnancies. The age of pregnancy in both groups was between the 21st and 35th week of gestation. The experimental group was divided into three groups according to the localization of infection: bacterial vaginosis, an infection of the cervix and urinary tract infections. The laboratory identification of IL-6 was performed as a double sandwich ELISA method. The reagents used for the identification of IL-6 were manufactured by Beckman-Coulter and were strictly intended for the research. Results: There were 34 pregnant women or 64% with infection of the cervix, 26 pregnant women or 49% had a positive urine culture, while bacterial vaginosis was present in 47 pregnant women or 89%. A positive finding on all localization was found in 14 pregnant women or 26%. In the experimental group, IL-6 was detected in 37 pregnant women or 70%. The mean value of IL-6 proven in the experimental group was 20.6 pg/ml (SD=18.2, n=53). Conclusion: This research demonstrated a direct link between a bacterial infection and preterm delivery. IL-6 can be used as a serological marker of bacterial infection and preterm delivery.