Serum cytokine profile (Interleukin-6) among women with pelvic organ prolapse

Background: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common gynecological problem, particularly in the grand multipara. There are indications thatserum concentration of cytokines is higher in women with POP and even more so when there is evidence of infection. This study assesses theserum cytokine level (interleukin [IL]‑6) in women with POP. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted among 96 women with POP and a control group of 96 women. A case–control study using a quota system nonprobability sampling technique was done. The serum cytokine level was determined using a commercial standard enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results: The mean age and parity were 53.54 ± 10.1 years and 7.04 ± 2.33, respectively. The mean level of serum IL‑6 and standard error of mean  was 95.79 ± 18.6, ±1.9 as against 17.92 ± 7.62, ±0.78 for control and as against <20 pg/ml for the general population. P values were 0.00 and 0.08,  respectively. The result showed that IL‑6 was significantly increased in women with POP. Conclusion: This study suggests that cytokine levels were significantly elevated in patients with POP. Keywords: Cytokines, interleukin‑6, pelvic organ prolapse