Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL6, TNF-α, IL1β, procalcitonin, lipopotysaccharide binding protein and C-reactive protein in infective endocarditis

Objective: To evaluate the serum levels and diagnostic value of cytokines and acute phase proteins in patients with infective endocarditis (IE). Patients and methods: Serum samples from 63 patients diagnosed with IE and 71 control patients were analysed for the following markers: interleukin-6 (IL6), tumour necrosis factor-a (TNF-alpha), interleukin 1-beta (IL1 beta), procalcitonin (PCT), lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Results: Serum levels of IL6, IL1 beta and CRP were significantly elevated in patients with IE as compared to controls. PCT, TNF-alpha,. and LBP were not elevated. Conclusion: Serum CRP and IL6 are elevated in IE. IL 6 may aid in establishing the diagnosis. There was no correlation between IL 6 levels and CRP, causative microorganism, echocardiographic features or outcome. (c) 2007 The British Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.