Predictive value of inflammatory cytokines in preeclampsia

Abstract

Preeclampsia (PE) is a multisystem disorder associated with maternal hypertension, placental abnormalities and adverse fetal outcomes. Endothelial dysfunction and immunological imbalance are the proposed etiological factors for the development of PE. The aim of the study was to assess the concentration of cytokines (IL-1?,IL-6,IL-8 and TNF-?) with progression of normal pregnancy and development of PE.40 primigravidas with uncomplicated normal pregnancies in first trimester which were followed till the last trimester (control) and 35 primigravidas who developed PE (study group) in the third trimester were selected by random sampling. Demographic characteristics along with assessment of cytokines was determined in normotensive and preeclamptic pregnant females.The levels of TNF-?, IL-6 and IL-8 are significantly increased (p 0.001) in PE when compared with the levels in normal healthy controls and normal pregnant females in the third trimester. Also, there is a significant progression (p 0.001) in the levels of TNF-? from the first trimester in females who subsequently developed PE. The present data indicates that measurement of TNF-? early in pregnancy can be used to predict the progression of P