Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 in early-onset neonatal sepsis
Abstract: Neonatal sepsis
remains a major cause of mortality and morbidity in newborns. Early-onset
neonatal sepsis occurs in infants under the age of 72 hours, while late-onset
neonatal sepsis occurs in infants over the age of 72 hours and may be due to
nosocomial infection. Diagnosing neonatal sepsis is a challenge, as its
clinical symptoms are not clear. Corroborating tests include routine blood,
C-reactive protein (CRP), serology, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and
interleukin-6 (IL-6) examinations.
Objective To compare the TNF-α and IL-6 levels in patients with proven
and unproven early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS)
Methods This case-control study was done in the Perinatology Unit, Abdul
Moeloek Hospital, Lampung. Subjects were under the age of 72 hours with risk
factors and clinical symptoms of sepsis. They underwent routine blood tests and
blood cultures. Infants with positive cultures were considered to have proven
sepsis (26 subjects) and infants with negative blood cultures were considered
to have unproven sepsis (26 subjects). All subjects underwent serological
examinations of TNF-α and IL-6.
Results There were no differences in the basic characteristics of
subjects between the two groups. Levels of TNF-α in the sepsis group were
significantly higher than in the unproven group [(28.30 vs. 10.96 pg/mL,
respectively (P=0.001)]. Furthermore, Il-6 was significantly higher in the
proven sepsis group than in the unproven sepsis group [(28.3 vs. 9.69 pg/mL,
respectively) (P=0.006)].
Conclusion Levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 are significantly higher in
infants with proven than unproven early-onset neonatal sepsis.
Author: Prambudi Rukmono, Nani
Dharmasetiawani, Warsono, Yan Wirasti, Eryati Darwin
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg160019