Markedly elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines in maternal serum and peritoneal washing during arrested labor

Abstract

Background. The role of inflammatory cytokines in the pathophysiology of arrested labor is currently unknown. We measured levels of inflammatory cytokines in maternal serum and peritoneal washings in arrested first stage of labor to assess the possible involvement of these mediators in this obstetric disorder.Methods. This was a prospective, case-control study involving 15 women who underwent cesarean section for arrested cervical dilatation (group I), 15 controls who were operated during active labor for nonreassuring fetal heart-rate tracing (group II) and 15 controls who were operated electively (group III). Blood samples were drawn from all women shortly before the operation. The presence of peritoneal fluid was assessed and peritoneal washings were obtained during the operation. All samples were assayed for the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1b, IL-6, IL-8 and soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R) by solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results. All women from group I and one patient (6.7%) from group II had some degree of peritoneal fluid accumulation, while none from group III had any. Serum samples from group I contained significantly higher IL-1b, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-2R levels than both control groups. Peritoneal washings from group I contained significantly higher IL-1b, IL-6 and IL-8 but similar IL-2R levels.Conclusions. Arrested first stage of labor is associated with peritoneal fluid accumulation and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines in both serum and peritoneal fluids. Inflammatory cytokines may therefore be involved in the pathophysiology of arrested labor.

The Association of Maternal Intrapartum Subfebrile Temperature and Adverse Obstetric and Neonatal Outcomes

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The Role of Adipocytokines in Insulin Resistance in Normal Pregnancy: Visfatin Concentrations in Early Pregnancy Predict Insulin Sensitivity

“…In late pregnancy the human placenta produces and secretes adiponectin, and adiponectin and its receptors are differentially regulated by cytokines (9 ). Furthermore, inflammatory molecules such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are involved in the process of insulin resistance and are found to be increased in maternal serum and peritoneal washing fluid during arrested labor (10 ).…”

Causes of Intrauterine Growth Restriction and the Postnatal Development of the Metabolic Syndrome

“…Elevations in 8‐isoprostane secretion from the placenta in women with GD may induce pathophysiological effects that contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Other data show elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines in maternal serum and peritoneal washing during arrested labor 36 . Kotani et al .…”