Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha and Interleukin-1 Alpha as Predictors of Survival in Peritonitis: A Pilot Study

Peritonitis induces an inflammatory response characterized by the elevation of various cytokine levels. Included in this cascade of cytokines are tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α). The outcome of patient care may be associated with the pattern of elaboration of these cytokines.

The aim of this study was to describe the pattern of cytokine response (TNF-α and IL-1α) in the course of peritonitis and evaluate them as predictors of mortality in peritonitis.

This was a prospective study conducted in the Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, University College Hospital, Ibadan.

Consenting patients with clinical diagnosis of generalized peritonitis over a 6-month period (July to December 2015) were recruited. The serum samples of these patients were obtained at presentation, immediately after surgery, and 24 h and 48 h after surgery with a follow-up period of 30 days.

Twenty-six samples out of thirty could be analyzed. Serum TNF-α and IL-1α levels were both elevated at presentation in all patients. However, the patterns of change after intervention varied between the survivors and nonsurvivors.

Peritonitis triggers a simultaneous increase in serum levels of TNFα and IL-1α. Lower serum level of TNF-α is associated with survival, while on the contrary, higher level of IL-1α is associated with survival.