Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL6, TNF-α, IL1β, procalcitonin, lipopolysaccharide binding protein and C-reactive protein in infective endocarditis

Summary Objective To evaluate the serum levels and diagnostic value of cytokines and acute phase proteins in patients with infective endocarditis (IE). Patients and methods Serum samples from 63 patients diagnosed with IE and 71 control patients were analysed for the following markers: interleukin-6 (IL6), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 1-β (IL1β), procalcitonin (PCT), lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Results Serum levels of IL6, IL1β and CRP were significantly elevated in patients with IE as compared to controls. PCT, TNF-α and LBP were not elevated. Conclusion Serum CRP and IL6 are elevated in IE. IL 6 may aid in establishing the diagnosis. There was no correlation between IL 6 levels and CRP, causative microorganism, echocardiographic features or outcome.