The Role of Interleukin-6 in Predicting the Development of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome in Infants Born with Meconium-Stained Amniotic Fluid; A Retrospective Analytical Study

Abstract

Background: Since it is not always possible clinically and radiographically to predict the development of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) in infants born with meconium-stained amniotic fluid, there is a need for biomarkers that may predict the development of MAS in these infants. Methods: The study was planned in Ankara Zekai Tahir Burak Gynecology Hospital. Among term infants (>37 gestational weeks) born from mothers who had Meconium-Stained Amniotic Fluid (MSAF), the files of 60 patients who met the criteria for inclusion were retrospectively reviewed between January 2014 and May 2014. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the characteristic features of infants who developed and did not develop MAS. Of the acute phase reactants, CRP, leukocyte count, platelet count, and thetotal neutrophil count did not show a statistically significant difference in both groups. We found that IL-6 was significantly higher in infants who developed MAS. The cut-off value for IL-6 was 51 with 62% sensitivity and 96% specificity. Morbidities such as pneumothorax and persistent pulmonary hypertension were observed more frequently in newborns who developed MAS and required longer mechanical ventilation, surfactant therapy, nasal CPAP support, inotropic support, and free oxygen therapy. Conclusions: We found that interleukin 6 is a good marker in predicting the development of meconium aspiration syndrome. We believe that this biomarker can be very useful when assessed with clinical and radiographic findings.