Rapid assessment of the IL-6 cervico-vaginal fluid level in threatening preterm labor

Abstract

Summary Objectives: The aim of the study was to check the cervico-vaginal fluid IL-6 levels using rapid, quantitive test in patients with threatening preterm labor, before and after tocolytic treatment. Material and methods: Sixty seven singular pregnant women, between 24 and 36 weeks of gestation, were included into the clinical trial. 35 women who were admitted to the Department due to clinical symptoms of threatened preterm labor formed the study group. 32 women between 24 and 36 gestational week, with uncomplicated pregnancy, formed the control group. Levels of IL-6 were measured just after material collection, using fast, quantitative spectrofotometric test. Results: The cervico-vaginal IL-6 level was higher in the study group (458pg/mL vs 123pg/mL; p<0.05). A significant reduction of cervico-vaginal IL-6 level was observed after two days of tocolytic treatment. Conclusion: A bedside, quantitative spectrofotometric method allows for a quick and repeatable assessment of cervico-vaginal IL-6 levels to establish the risk of preterm labor, as well as enables the monitoring of the effectiveness of tocolytic treatment.