Abstracts

Rationale: Many studies have shown the additive property of cytokines in the immune regulation of secondary injury mechanisms that are not associated with; however, it remains unclear whether these cytokines have a similar effect in the immature human neonatal brain.This study assessed the levels of significant cytokines in relation to neonatal seizures and the severity of neonatal brain insult. Methods: The hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy-induced seizure group consisted of 13 patients, and another 15 normal newborns were enrolled as a control group.  We analysed serum cytokines taken within 24hrs of admission, and within 48-72hrs in both groups. The 3rd sample, taken at the 5th day was only obtained in the seizure group. The levels of 10 cytokines(IL-1beta, IL-1Ra, IL-2, IL-3, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-alpha, interferon (IFN)-gamma and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2) were measured each time and analyzed quantitatively.  Results: During neonatal seizures, the levels of most cytokines increased within 24 h, and, in particular, the levels of interleukin (IL)-8 significantly increased (P < 0.05). After 48-72 h of seizure onset, the levels of most cytokines decreased, especially, IL-1Ra; however, IL-8 and IL-10 remained increased (P < 0.05). During the prognosis, one patient who was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy at 6 months of age presented extreme elevation of IL-1beta, IL-1Ra, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the initial sample, reflecting the severity of brain damage.  Conclusions: A significant increase in IL-8 may serve as a biomarker for earlier detection of brain damage in neonatal seizure, if detected within 24 and 48-72 h of the seizure.  Funding: No funding