New Delhi, April 12
A team of UK researchers has found the potential of interleukin-6 (IL-6) as a powerful diagnostic biomarker for the early detection of sepsis in high-risk patient groups, including neonates, children, and pregnant women.
Sepsis, a life-threatening condition resulting from the immune system's overreaction to infection, remains a leading global cause of mortality, accounting for an estimated 11 million deaths annually.
Young children, especially those under five, and pregnant women are highly vulnerable due to immunological changes and increased susceptibility.
The study analysed serial blood samples from 252 patients (111 paediatric, 72 maternity, and 69 neonatal cases) with suspected sepsis.
The results showed that IL-6 consistently outperformed traditional biomarkers in distinguishing bacterial from non-bacterial infections.
“IL-6 also effectively stratified sepsis severity, distinguishing between mild infection, sepsis, and septic shock, a critical capability for guiding timely and appropriate treatment,” the study showed.
The team explained how IL-6 has significant advantages over traditional biomarkers.