Plasma cytokine profiles in very preterm infants with late-onset sepsis

Abstract

Introduction Deficiencies in innate immune responses may contribute to the increased susceptibility to infection in preterm infants. In vivo cytokine profiles in response to sepsis in very preterm infants are not fully understood. Aims To characterise plasma pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine concentrations and pre-defined ratios in very preterm infants with late-onset sepsis (LOS). Methods In this observational study, peripheral blood samples were collected at the time of evaluation for suspected LOS from 31 preterm infants (<30 weeks gestational age). Plasma cytokine concentrations were determined by 12-plex immunoassay. Results IL-10, IFN-γ, IL-12p70, IP-10, IL-6 and CCL2 were elevated i..