Measuring Interleukin-6 in Amniotic Fluid
Author Information
Author(s): Tsunenobu Tamura, William W. Andrews, Kelley E. Johnston, G. Philamon Hemstreet, Robert L. Goldenberg
Primary Institution: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Hypothesis
Can commercial kits accurately measure interleukin-6 concentrations in amniotic fluid?
Conclusion
Standardization of the method for measuring IL-6 in amniotic fluid is necessary for consistent laboratory comparisons.
Supporting Evidence
- IL-6 concentrations in amniotic fluid varied significantly among the kits used.
- All kits could distinguish higher IL-6 levels in samples from women with chorioamnionitis.
- Recovery of known IL-6 added to amniotic fluid ranged from 12 to 123%.
Takeaway
This study looked at how well different kits can measure a protein called IL-6 in amniotic fluid, finding big differences between them.
Methodology
Seven commercial kits were used to measure IL-6 in amniotic fluid samples from women with chorioamnionitis and normal pregnancies.
Potential Biases
Differences in antibodies and preparation of standards among kits may introduce bias.
Limitations
The study did not evaluate day-to-day variations for each kit.
Participant Demographics
Samples were taken from three women with clinical chorioamnionitis and five from normal pregnancies.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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