Evaluation of the correlation between IL-1β, IL-8, IFN-γ cytokine concentration in cervico-vaginal fluid and the risk of preterm delivery

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate IL-1 beta, Il-8, IFN-gamma cytokine concentrations in cervico-vaginal fluid in patients with threatening preterm delivery. Material and methods: The study group included 84 patients between 27 and 34 weeks of pregnancy, admitted with symptoms of threatened preterm delivery. The cervico-vaginal fluid was taken from each patient qualified for the study and IL-1 beta, Il-8, IFN-gamma concentration was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The following factors were analyzed: maternal age and parity, gestational age at admission for the examination and at delivery, sex of the newborn, Apgar evaluation at 1 and 5 minutes of life, umbilical blood pH, history of miscarriage or preterm delivery, pre-pregnancy body mass index, and smoking. Their influence on the concentration of biochemical markers tested in patients at risk of preterm delivery was investigated. Results: In the study group, patients who delivered preterm had significantly higher concentrations of IL-1 beta and Il-8 as compared to patients who delivered at term. Patients who delivered preterm more often had a history of a miscarriage and their newborns had lower birth weight, lower Apgar score, and lower pH of the umbilical blood. Conclusion: As far as factors significantly influencing cytokine concentrations are concerned, the level of IL-1 beta and Il-8 concentration is an independent predictor of preterm delivery in patients with threatened preterm labor. In the study group, the IFN-gamma concentration did not significantly diversify patients who delivered preterm and at term.