title: Elevation of interleukin-6 levels in cervical secretions as a predictor of preterm delivery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in cervical secretions for preterm delivery before 34+0 gestational weeks in patients with preterm labor.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this prospective study, 31 patients were enrolled with preterm labor and intact membranes. Cervical swabs were taken on admission and the concentration of IL-6 was measured. The gestational age at the time of admission and delivery, as well as the time interval to delivery, were evaluated and compared with the concentration of IL-6 on admission.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Cervical IL-6 was significantly elevated in the preterm delivery group (< 34+0 gestational weeks, p < 0.05). Choosing 20 pg/ml as a cut-off concentration, cervical IL-6 had a sensitivity and negative predictive value of 100%, a specificity of 67% and a positive predictive value of 47%. Concerning the time interval to delivery, the sensitivity of IL-6 was 100% and the specificity 57% for delivery within 2 days and 100% and 64% for delivery within 7 days.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cervical IL-6 is a new, promising diagnostic tool to identify patients at high risk of preterm delivery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Medical School of Humboldt-Universität, Berlin, Germany. langemelanie@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Melanie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lange
authors.forename: Frank K
authors.initials: FK
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Jens
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wessel
authors.forename: Ulrich
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Buscher
authors.forename: Joachim W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Dudenhausen
mesh_terms: D002582:Cervix Mucus / Q000737:chemistry*; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000032:analysis*; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000175:diagnosis; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012306:Risk; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D015850:Interleukin-6