Postoperative evaluation of plasma interleukin-6 concentration in patients after total hip arthroplasty

Background. The aim of this study was to examine the circulating IL-6 in patients after orthopedic surgery, and the correlation between IL-6, body temperature and the level of postoperative pain. Material and methods. We studied 27 patients undergoing orthopedic hip arthroplasty, including 14 with osteoarthritis and 13 with rheumatoid arthritis. The local medical ethics committee approved the study, and all patients signed informed consent upon being enrolled. All patients received spinal anesthesia. Samples were collected just before and at 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery; at the same time, body temperature and reported pain were monitored. Results. Plasma IL-6 levels showed a decrease after surgery. This suggests some influence of plasma cytokines on the possible beneficial effects of regional anesthesia on the clinical course after surgery. The level of IL-6 was associated with body temperature and pain in patients after operation. Conclusions. The plasma concentration of IL-6 is a significant factor affecting body temperature and pain after surgery in patients who have undergone hip arthroplasty.