[Neuroinflammation and drug-resistant epilepsy: interleukin 6 as a possible marker]

Neuroinflammation plays a key role in epileptogénesis, with interleukin 6 (IL-6) implicated in drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). The objective was to compare serum IL-6 levels between patients with DRE and non-drug-resistant epilepsy (n-DRE) and to evaluate their relationship with the use of anti-seizure drugs (ASDs).

Retrospective multicentre study (March 2019 to April 2022) in two hospitals in Buenos Aires. Patients >18 years of age with epilepsy, at least 2 years of follow-up and no seizures in the last 2 weeks were included. Serum IL-6 was measured by ELISA. Demographic, clinical and treatment data were collected. Comparisons were made using the t-test, Mann-Whitney test, chi-square test, or Fisher's exact test.

121 patients were included (43 with DRE and 78 with n-DRE). The median IL-6 levels did not differ significantly between the two groups. Focal epilepsy and focal seizures with altered consciousness were more frequent in patients with DRE (p = 0.039). In monotherapy, higher IL-6 levels were observed in patients receiving valproic acid (p = 0.027), especially in women (p < 0.05).

In this cohort, IL-6 levels were not associated with drug resistance. However, IL-6 concentrations varied according to ASD and sex. Future studies are needed to clarify the role of cytokines in epileptogénesis and their possible value as prognostic biomarkers.