Interleukin-6 is a main cytokoin which coordinates and modifies the inflammatory and immunological reactions. It also induces synthesis of other inflammatory mediators such as: interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor, prostaglandins and an acute phase proteins. The diagnosis of the onset of viral infection is problematic as changes in biochemical indicator are often delayed. It is known that infection plays a key role in the pathogenesis of preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of membranes. The aim of this study was to examine the hypotheses whether the plasma IL-6 concentration would be higher at pregnant women with PROM in comparison with the group of clinically healthy women and whether the intra-amniotic infection may be the reason of PROM if there are no clinical features of infection. Plasma samples were collected from 52 women admitted to hospital with PROM. IL-6 in each sample was determined by ELISA. The results were compared with control group of 40 pregnant women with threatening preterm labor. Plasma IL-6 at women with PROM was (mean ±SD) 16.5 pg/ml ±20.84 pg/ml in comparison to control group where mean = 6.54 pg/ml ±7.50 pg/ml. Our data suggest that plasma IL-6 concentration is a biochemical marker of intra-amniotic infection in pregnancies complicated by PROM.

Keywords: Interleukin-6, intrauterine infection, premature rupture of membranes