Interleukin-6 as a biomarker of sepsis and its clinical utility in predicting mortality: a prospective observational...

Majority of patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) succumb to sepsis and its complications. However, currently available predictors fail to reliably gauge the severity of organ damage. There is a pressing need to identify biomarkers that can accurately forecast outcomes. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) has emerged as a potential biomarker, with some studies suggesting its utility as an early predictor of multi-organ failure in sepsis. This study evaluated the role of IL-6 in predicting mortality in an Indian ICU setting.

This prospective observational study included adult patients diagnosed with sepsis and a quick SOFA score ≥ 2. IL-6 levels, SOFA scores, and other clinical parameters were measured within 24 hours of admission. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified factors associated with mortality.

The overall ICU mortality rate was 39%. Multivariate analyses indicated that IL-6 levels, total SOFA scores, and number of antibiotics used were independently associated with mortality. The IL-6 levels showed strong positive correlations with the total SOFA score (r = 0.77, p < 0.001) and individual organ dysfunction scores; particularly in cardiovascular (r = 0.61, p < 0.001), renal (r = 0.64, p < 0.001), and central nervous system (r = 0.6, p < 0.001).

IL-6 levels, in combination with SOFA scores, provide a robust predictor of mortality in sepsis patients. The strong correlation between IL-6 levels and organ dysfunction scores suggests its potential as a biomarker for sepsis severity and progression.