DIAGNOSTIC AND PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF IL-6 IN CRITICALLY ILL PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH SEPSIS INDUCED CAPILLARY LEAKAGE SYNDROME

Abstract

Back ground : Bacterial sepsis is one of the most frequent and dreaded causes of death in intensive care units. According to the current understanding of sepsis, bacterial components activate innate immune responses via pattern-recognition receptors that stimulate signaling pathways, thereby leading to activation of NF-kB and the release of cytokines, alarming the organism and coordinating appropriate defense mechanisms. The resulting ‘‘cytokine storm’’ not only restricts bacterial invasion; it also harms the host by triggering a hemodynamic collapse with a drop in blood pressure, which could lead to death. One of the cytokines released during sepsis is interleukin-6 (IL-6). Originally described as a B-cell–stimulating factor, this cytokine has since been shown to have multiple additional functions. Interestingly, there is emerging evidence of IL-6 trans-signaling in the pathogenesis of sepsis. We review recent findings and discuss whether therapeutic interference with IL-6 trans-signaling may be beneficial in this important clinical scenario.

KEY WORDS • Pediatric . Sepsis . Multiorgan dysfunction . Shock Critical care . IL-6 . Capillary leakage syndrome