Cord Blood Interleukin-6 as a Predictor of Early Onset Sepsis in High Risk Neonates

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate accuracy of cord blood interleukin-6 (IL-6) as an early marker of early onset neonatal sepsis (EOS) in neonates with maternal risk factors..Objectives: To evaluate accuracy of cord blood IL-6 as a predictor of early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) in neonates with prenatal risk factors for sepsis.Patients and methods: The study included 80 neonates divided into two groups. Group(I) included 25 full-term and 25 preterm neonates. Group (II) included thirty healthy age and sex matched controls with mean gestational age 35.2±3.8. All patients were subjected to adequate history taking, full clinical examination, complete blood count, blood culture, cord blood interleukin-6 and serum high sensitive CRP for elevated IL-6 level.Results: IL-6 level was significantly higher in the group (I) compared with group(II). No significant correlation between gestational age and level of IL-6. The best cutoff value for serum interleukin-6 as a marker for early detection of neonatal sepsis is ≥50 pg/ml with sensitivity 96 % and specificity 100%.Conclusion: Cord blood IL-6 can be a sensitive predictor of early onset sepsis for neonates with high risk of sepsis.