Cytokine profile in prediction of acute lung injury in patients with acute pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVES: To study the role of cytokines in prediction of acute lung injury (ALI) in acute pancreatitis.

METHODS: Levels of TNFα, IL-6, IL-10, IL-8 and IL-1β were measured in 107 patients at presentation and at 72 h in patients who developed acute lung injury. A model was devised to predict development of ALI using cytokine levels and SIRS score.

RESULTS: The levels of TNF α (p < 0.0001), IL-6 (p < 0.0001), IL-8 (p < 0.0001) and IL-1β (p < 0.0001) were significantly higher in the ALI group. IL-10 levels were significantly lower in persistent ALI (p-ALI) than in transient ALI (t-ALI) patients (p < 0.038). p-ALI group had significant rise of TNFα (p = 0.019) and IL-1β (p = 0.001) while t-ALI group had significant rise of only IL-1β (p = 0.044) on day 3 vs day 1. Combined values of IL-6 and IL-8 above 251 pg/ml had sensitivity of 90.9% and a specificity of 100% to predict future development of ALI. Composite marker-I (IL6 ≥ 80 pg/ml + SIRS) yielded sensitivity and specificity of 73% and 98% whereas composite marker-II (IL8 ≥ 100 pg/ml + SIRS) yielded sensitivity and specificity of 73% and 95% to predict future ALI.

CONCLUSIONS: IL-6 and IL-8 can predict future development of ALI. When they are combined with SIRS, they can be used as comprehensive composite markers.