Relationship between Serum Interleukin-6 Levels and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Preterm Infants at 28-34 Weeks’ Gestation with Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) remains a major cause of mortality and morbidity among preterm infants, especially in developing countries. Up to 40% of those infants who do survive RDS may develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The aim of this study is to find out the relationship between serum IL-6 levels and BPD in preterm infants at 28–34 weeks’ gestation with RDS. A cross sectional study was carried out in Department of Child Health Hasan Sadikin General Hospital Bandung in June–September 2018. Serum samples collected within 6–12 hours after birth. Respiratory distress syndrome was diagnosed on the basis of radiographic findings, respiratory distress, and an increasing oxygen requirement. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia was diagnosed based on the requirement of supplemented oxygen by at least 28 days at 36 weeks of post menstrual age (PMA). Serum IL-6 levels were measured using enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data was analyzed using logistic regression. Sixty-eight neonates were studied. Ten developed BPD and 58 were not. Based on logistic regression showed that an increase of 1 pg/mL of serum IL-6 levels from the normal values examined at 6–12 hours after birth in preterm infants at 28–34 weeks’ gestation with RDS would increase log odds of BDP by 0.005 (p = 0.031) after adjustment for confounding factors of birth weight and gestational age. Increased in serum IL-6 levels within 6–12 hours after birth in preterm infants at 28–34 weeks’ gestation with RDS was associated with an increased risk of BPD.