Dynamic changes of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 serum levels and their correlation with severity and prognosis in patient of cerebral infarction at acute stage

Objective To investigate the dynamic changes of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8(IL-8) serum levels at acute stage and their correlation with state and prognosis of cerebral infarction. Methods Sixty-three patients with acute cerebral infarction enrolled within 24 hours after onset. The serum specimens were gathered for IL-6 and IL-8 on admission, at the 3rd day and the 7th day of onset. Results The IL-6 and IL-8 serum levels in case group at different times were all significantly higher than those in control group and peaked within 24 hours and at the 3rd day respectively. The peak levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were related with the CSS scale on admission, the infarct size, and early neurological worsening, but so were not the peak times. Stepwise Logistic regression analysis suggested the IL-6 serum levels within 24 hours as independent indicator of prognosis. Conclusions Serum levels of IL-6 and IL-8 increase time-dependently after cerebral infarction .Their peak levels are related with severity and early neurological worsening of cerebral infarction. The IL-6 serum level may predict the prognosis of cerebral infarction.