Maternal & Reproductive Health Conference · 2026-05-10 · Cardiology

Clinical significance of interleukin-6 level in the prognosis of neonatal sepsis

Lim M.V.¹, Nasrieva A.Kh.²
Doctor of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology No. 1, Samarkand State Medical University¹; Master's degree, Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology No. 1, Samarkand State Medical University².

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Abstract

Neonatal sepsis remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among newborns in the first weeks of life. Early diagnosis and prognosis assessment are key to prompt treatment and reducing the risk of complications. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a proinflammatory cytokine that actively participates in the immune response to infections and is considered a promising biomarker for predicting the severity and outcome of sepsis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of IL-6 levels in predicting the course of neonatal sepsis and to identify a relationship with disease severity and outcomes. The study included 70 newborns with suspected sepsis, whose IL-6 levels were measured and clinical outcomes were monitored. The results showed that high IL-6 levels significantly correlated with a severe course of the disease and a poor prognosis.

Keywords: interleukin-6, neonatal sepsis, prognosis, disease severity, biomarker, outcomes

Neonatal sepsis is a systemic infection in newborns, accompanied by a pronounced inflammatory response that can lead to septic shock and multiple organ failure. Early diagnosis and accurate prognosis of outcome are crucial for selecting optimal therapy. IL-6 is synthesized by monocytes, macrophages, and endothelial cells in response to infection and amplifies the inflammatory cascade. Since IL-6 levels increase early in the infection, their levels are considered a potential marker of sepsis severity and prognosis.

: The aim of the study was to determine the clinical significance of IL-6 levels in predicting the severity and outcome of neonatal sepsis. Objectives included: assessing the correlation between IL-6 levels and the severity of clinical manifestations, determining the association of IL-6 with the length of hospital stay, complication rate, and mortality, and identifying IL-6 thresholds for predicting adverse outcomes.

Materials and Methods:

The study was conducted in a neonatal unit. Seventy newborns aged up to 28 days with suspected sepsis were included. Patients were divided into groups based on disease severity: mild, moderate, and severe sepsis. All patients underwent a clinical examination, venous blood sampling for IL-6 determination by ELISA, and monitoring of vital signs and laboratory parameters (leukocytosis, C-reactive protein). The following parameters were taken into account to assess the prognosis: complication rate, length of hospitalization, need for intensive care, and mortality. Statistical analysis included correlation and regression analyses.

The average IL-6 level in neonates with severe sepsis was 162 ± 30 pg /ml, in those with moderate severity—95 ± 22 pg /ml, and in those with mild sepsis—48 ± 15 pg /ml. Correlation analysis showed a strong association between the IL-6 level and the severity of clinical manifestations (r=0.81; p< 0.001). Patients with IL-6 levels above 140 pg /ml more often required intensive care, had a longer hospitalization, and an increased risk of mortality. Low IL-6 levels (<50 pg /ml) were associated with a mild course of the disease and a favorable prognosis.

The obtained data confirm that IL-6 levels are a reliable biomarker for predicting the severity and outcome of neonatal sepsis. High IL-6 levels indicate a pronounced inflammatory response and an increased risk of complications. Early detection of IL-6 allows physicians to predict the course of the disease, promptly adjust therapy, and implement intensive measures when there is a risk of an unfavorable outcome. Incorporating IL-6 into standard sepsis diagnostic protocols may improve prognostic accuracy and treatment effectiveness. Limitations of the study include its single-center design and relatively small sample size, requiring further research in a larger population.

Interleukin-6 levels have high clinical significance for predicting the severity and outcome of neonatal sepsis. High IL-6 levels are associated with a severe course of the disease, increased complication rates, and risk of mortality, while low levels predict a favorable prognosis. The use of IL-6 in clinical practice allows for the optimization of treatment, timely implementation of intensive care, and improved outcomes in newborns.

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