Reactive Hyperemia and Interleukin 6, Interleukin 8, and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in the Diagnosis of Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Objective. To evaluate the diagnostic value of peripheral circulatory reactive hyperemia and serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in early-onset neonatal sepsis. Methods. Reactive hyperemia in the dorsal hand and serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α were studied in newborn infants (n = 32; gestational age 39 ± 3 weeks) who had been admitted to the neonatal unit because of suspected sepsis n = 12) or not (n = 20). Results. The degree of reactive hyperemia was higher in the group with sepsis (median + 170% perfusion increase) than in that without (+37%). On admission, serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α all were higher in septic (median values: 1620, 331, and 22 pg/mL, respectively) than in nonseptic neonates (median values: 42, 63, and 13 pg/mL, respectively). In the group with sepsis, the degree of reactive hyperemia correlated to log IL-6 (r = 0.80) and log IL-8 values (r = 0.71). Conclusion. Newborn infants with septicemia have increased reactive hyperemia and elevated cytokine levels very early in their disease. Reactive hyperemia in skin can be analyzed at the bedside and noninvasively and therefore may serve as an additional diagnostic tool in neonatal sepsis.