Elevated interleukin-8 concentrations in cervical secretions are associated with preterm labour

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Biomarkers in Obstetrics
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Preterm labor and delivery pose significant risks to maternal and infant health.
• Accurate prediction of preterm birth remains a clinical challenge.
• Cervical secretions may harbor biomarkers indicative of impending preterm delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical utility of interleukin-8 (IL-8) in cervical secretions as a marker for preterm labor and delivery.
• To determine if IL-8 concentration correlates with the timing of preterm delivery.
• To investigate the changes in IL-8 levels during pregnancy in relation to preterm birth.

Main Methods:

• Collected cervical mucus samples from 91 pregnant women at two time points (18 ± 2 and 28 ± 2.5 weeks of gestation).
• Measured the presence and concentration of IL-8 in cervical secretions.
• Correlated IL-8 levels with cervicovaginal microbiology and cervical length assessed by transvaginal ultrasound.

Main Results:

• IL-8 concentration at 28 weeks gestation was significantly higher in women who delivered preterm (p < 0.01).
• A greater than five-fold increase in IL-8 levels from 18 to 28 weeks was observed in 6 out of 7 women who delivered preterm.
• Elevated IL-8 levels show a strong association with preterm delivery.

Conclusions:

• Interleukin-8 in cervical secretions shows potential as a predictive marker for preterm labor and delivery.
• Monitoring IL-8 concentration during pregnancy could aid in identifying high-risk individuals for preterm birth.
• Further research is warranted to establish IL-8 as a routine clinical tool for preterm birth prediction.