Increased serum concentrations of interleukin-2 receptor in the first trimester in women who later developed severe preeclampsia

Background. To determine the concentration of cytokines having an immunomodulating effect in the first trimester in women who subsequently developed preeclampsia. Methods. The serum concentrations of IL-10, TNF alpha, IL-6 and IL-2R were determined in ten women who later developed severe preeclampsia and in ten healthy controls. The groups were compared with the Mann-Whitney U test. Results. The IL-2R concentration was significantly higher in the women who later developed preeclampsia than in normal patients (p=0.028). No significant differences were detected between the groups with respect to the other evaluated cytokines. Conclusion. Elevated IL-2R concentrations in maternal serum as early as in the first trimester may be a sign of immunological maladaptation and might be associated with a disturbance of trophoblastic invasion.