ABSTRACT
Elevated concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and matrix
metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in fetal and neonatal compartments have been associated
with an increased risk for preterm birth (PTB) and/or neonatal morbidity. The purpose
of this study was to determine if the maternal serum concentration of IL-6, CRP, and
MMP-9 in women at risk for PTB, who are not in labor and have intact membranes, are
associated with an increased risk for PTB <32 weeks and/or neonatal morbidity. Maternal
serum samples collected from 475 patients enrolled in a multicenter randomized controlled
trial of single versus weekly corticosteroids for women at increased risk for preterm
delivery were assayed. Serum was collected at randomization (24 to 32 weeks' gestation).
Maternal serum concentrations of IL-6, CRP, and MMP-9 were subsequently determined
using enzyme-linked immunoassays. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed
to explore the relationship between maternal serum concentrations of IL-6, CRP, and
MMP-9 and PTB <32 weeks, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), chronic lung disease
(CLD), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and any
sepsis. Maternal serum concentrations of IL-6 and CRP, but not MMP-9, above the 90th
percentile at the time of randomization were associated with PTB <32 weeks. In contrast,
there was no significant relationship between RDS and NEC and the maternal serum concentration
of IL-6, CRP, or MMP-9 (univariate analysis). The development of CLD was associated
with a high (above 90th percentile) IL-6 and CRP in maternal serum, even after adjustment
for gestational age (GA) at randomization and treatment group. However, when GA at
delivery was added to the model, this finding was nonsignificant. Neonatal sepsis
was more frequent in neonates born to mothers with a high maternal serum concentration
of CRP (>90th percentile). However, there was no significant association after adjustment
for GA at randomization and treatment group. Logistic regression analysis for each
analyte indicated that high maternal serum concentrations of IL-6 and CRP, but not
MMP-9, were associated with an increased risk of IVH (odds ratio [OR] 4.60, 95% confidence
interval [CI] 1.86 to 10.68; OR 4.07, 95% CI 1.63 to 9.50) after adjusting for GA
at randomization and treatment group. Most babies (25/30) had grade I IVH. When GA
at delivery was included, elevated IL-6 remained significantly associated with IVH
(OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.02 to 7.09). An elevated maternal serum concentration of IL-6 and
CRP are risk factors for PTB <32 weeks and subsequent development of neonatal IVH.
An elevated maternal serum IL-6 appears to confer additional risk for IVH even after
adjusting for GA at delivery.
KEYWORDS
Maternal serum - cytokines - preterm birth - neonatal morbidity
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Yoram SorokinM.D.
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hutzel Women's Hospital, 3990 John R, Mailbox 163, Detroit MI, 48201
Email: ysorokin@med.wayne.edu