Correlation between interleukin-6 and septic shock in children

Abstract

Background Sepsis is a life􀁆threatening condition and the most common cause of death in intensive care units in developing countries, such as Indonesia. The first clinical signs of sepsis are usually non􀁆spedfic. More specific signs and laboratory parameters often occur late and are associated 'With organ dysfunction and high mortality rates. Interleukin􀁆6 (IL--6) is a biomarker reported to be superior to clinical signs and conventional tests for sepsis. IL--6 levels may indicate microorganism invasion, as well as progression of infection into sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock. Objective To evaluate a correlation between interleukin (IL)􀁆6 and septic shock in children Methods This cross􀁆sectional study was conducted in the pediatric intensive care unit of Prof. Dr. R.D. Kandou Hospital, Manado, between June to September 2011. Subjects were children with sepsis or septic shock aged 1 month to 13 years, v.ith diagnoses based on the International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference Criteria 2005. A one􀁆time measurement of IL--6 plasma levels was done at the time of diagnosis. Data was analyzed by logistic regression test using SPSS version 17 software. A P value of <0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results The mean IL--6 plasma level in the septic group was 1.68 (95%CI 1.45 to 1.91) pg/mL and that of the septic shock group was 2.33 (95%CI 1.79 to 2.86) pg/mL. Our results showed a strong positive correlation between IL􀁆6 plasma levels v.ith the probability of septic shock in children v.ith sepsis (regression coefficient􀁇1.3lO, P􀁇O.024). Conclusion Higher plasma IL--6 levels were associated v.ith a higher risk of septic shock in children with sepsis. [Paediatr rndones.2012;52:352-5].

Keywords

• sepsis
• interleukin-6