Maternal plasma and amniotic fluid interleukin-6 levels in imminent preterm labor

Our purpose was to investigate the maternal plasma and amniotic fluid interleukin-6 levels in women with preterm labour. The present study was designed to evaluate IL-6 levels in 93 pregnant women with threatened preterm labour and 40 normal pregnant. Maternal blood samples were collected by routine forearm venipuncture at admission during routine laboratory tests. Amniotic fluid was collected during hysteretomy during caesarean delivery from women at term but not in labour and by amniotomy or hysteretomy from women with preterm labour. Maternal plasma and amniotic fluid IL-6 concentrations were significantly elevated in women in preterm labour (premature rupture of membranes and uterine contractions) compared to gestationally matched, non-laboring controls.