Compared with antepartum gravidas, those in term or preterm labor had significantly higher concentrations of maternal serum interleukin-6 concentrations; extremely elevated levels were found in patients whose preterm labor was associated with intrauterine infection.
Measurable levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha were present in the vagina during pregnancy and labor. Vaginal levels of IL-1 beta and IL-6 were found to be significantly elevated in laboring patients as compared with nonlaboring patients. Vaginal levels of IL-1 beta were also significantly elevated in nonlaboring patients with BV.
Maternal serum interleukin-6 concentrations appear to be elevated in women destined to deliver prematurely. Measurement of this cytokine may prove useful in treating patients at high risk for preterm delivery.
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