Elevated interleukin-8 concentrations in cervical secretions are associated with preterm labour.
The aim of this study was to assess the potential clinical utility of interleukin-8 (IL-8) present in cervical secretions as a marker of preterm labour and delivery. Samples of cervical mucus from 91 pregnant women were assessed for the presence and concentration of IL-8. Two samples were collected (at 18 +/- 2 and 28 +/- 2.5 weeks of gestation) and correlated with cervicovaginal microbiology and cervical length, as measured by transvaginal ultrasound. The IL-8 concentration at 28/40 was significantly higher in women who went on to deliver preterm (p < 0.01), and there was a greater than five-fold increase from 18 to 28 weeks in 6/7 of these women.
Dowd
J
J
Perinatal Research Centre and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Royal Women's Hospital, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia.
Laham
N
N
Rice
G
G
Brennecke
S
S
Permezel
M
M
D002582:Cervix Mucus / Q000737:chemistry; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D016209:Interleukin-8 / Q000032:analysis*; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy; D014463:Ultrasonography
D016209:Interleukin-8