THE INFLAMMATORY PROFILE OF INTERLEUKIN-6, INTERLEUKIN-8, AND SOLUBLEINTERCELLULAR-ADHESION MOLECULE-1 IN POSTINJURY MULTIPLE ORGAN FAILURE

BACKGROUND: Interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and adhesion m olecules have been implicated as mediators in neutrophil (PMN) and end othelial cell (EC) interactions leading to postinjury multiple organ f ailure (MOF). Our hypothesis was that circulating levers of IL-6, IL-8 , and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) would discri minate patients at risk for postinjury MOF. METHODS: Serial plasma lev els of IL-6, IL-8, and sICAM-1 were measured in 27 high-risk trauma pa tients. RESULTS: The IL-6 and IL-8 levels were significantly elevated in MOF patients compared with non-MOF patients at 12 and 36 hours post injury. The IL-6 level was also elevated at 84 and 132 hours, and IL-8 at 84 hours, The sICAM-1 level did not become elevated in MOF patient s until 132 hours postinjury. CONCLUSION: Interleukin-6 and IL-8 are e levated early after trauma and discriminate patients who will develop MOF. Late elevation of sICAM-1 likely results from PMN cytotoxicity le ading to EC injury or inflammation. (C) 1996 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.