Changes to IFN-γ and IP-10 in the arterial blood of premature infants before and after mechanical ventilation

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: This study examined changes to pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ and chemokine IP-10 in the arterial blood of premature infants before and after mechanical ventilation, with the aim of exploring possible mechanisms of ventilation-induced lung injury. METHODS: Twenty-three neonates requiring mechanical ventilation were enrolled in this study. Arterial blood samples were collected for measuring IFN-γ and IP-10 levels using ELISA before and 4 hours after mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: Blood IFN-γ and IP-10 increased significantly from 59±40 pg/mL and 130±67 pg/mL respectively before mechanical ventilation to 105±54 pg/mL and 220±80 pg/mL respectively after 4 hours of mechanical ventilation (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Serum IFN-γ and IP-10 levels increase after mechanical ventilation, suggesting that both may participate in the immune-inflammatory process of ventilation-induced lung injury.