Interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and granulocyte elastase in newborns with fetal distress

Objective: Our purpose was to investigate the participation of cytokines and neutrophils in fetal distress. Study Design: Umbilical cord serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and plasma granulocyte elastase (GEL) were measured in 30 normally grown newborns without fetal distress (Group A), 10 growth-retarded newborns without acute fetal distress (Group B), 5 normally grown newborns with fetal distress (Group C), and 5 growth-retarded newborns with fetal distress (Group D). Umbilical arterial blood pH and PO2 were also measured. Results: Umbilical arterial blood pH and PO2 in either Group C or Group D were significantly lower than those in either Group A or Group B. The concentration of IL-6 in Group D was significantly higher than that in either Group A, B, or C. The level of IL-8 in either Group C or Group D was significantly higher than that in either Group A or Group B. The concentrations of GEL in Group D was significantly higher than that in either Group A or Group B. Conclusion: This study suggests that fetal distress in utero causes an elevation of immune factors such as IL-6, IL-8 and GEL.