The value of interleukin-8, interleukin-6 and interleukin-1beta in vaginal wash as predictors of preterm delivery

AIMS: To study the value of interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6 and IL-1beta in vaginal wash as predictors of preterm delivery. METHODS: A prospective analysis of a study group of 200 pregnant women between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation with intact membranes and preterm labor and a control group of 50 pregnant women during the same period of gestation. The controls had uncomplicated pregnancies and subsequently delivered at term. Samples of vaginal secretions were collected from both groups and analyzed for IL-1beta, IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations. RESULTS: Of the women in the study group, 70 had preterm deliveries, while all women in the control group had full-term deliveries. Compared with the control group, the study group had significantly higher concentrations (p < 0.021) of IL-1beta, IL-6 and IL-8. The women in the study group delivering preterm also had IL-1beta, IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations significantly greater (p < 0.001) than those of the same group delivering full term. ROC curves were used to establish cut-off points for the three interleukins to predict preterm delivery. We did not find a cut-off point with an appropriate sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSION: The concentrations of interleukins in vaginal wash were significantly higher both in the women with preterm labor and in those delivering preterm. While values differed between controls and those with the preterm labor, no cut-off can be obtained to use the results of IL-1beta, IL-6 and IL-8 as a predictor clinically.