Effects of pro-inflammatory interleukin-6 and anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 cytokines in pregnant women diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to investigate the relationship between serum interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 levels in coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 positive pregnant women and the course of the disease. Methods: In our study, serum IL-6 and IL-10 levels were measured in 28 third-trimester COVID- 19-positive pregnant women and 30 third-trimester healthy pregnant women. COVID-19-positive cases were classified as carriers or patients. While 13 of the pregnant women in the study group were asymptomatic or were being followed out due to mild illness; a total of 15 pregnant women, 7 of whom were in the intensive care unit (ICU), were hospitalized and treated. IL-6 and IL-10 tests of COVID-19-positive pregnant women were studied at the time of first application. Results: Seven (25%) patients with COVID-19 required admission to an ICU. The IL-6 level was found to be significantly lower in COVID-19-negative pregnant women compared to pregnant women who were COVID-19 carriers and patients (p=0.01). The IL-10 level was found to be signifi- cantly higher in pregnant women who were negative for COVID-19 compared to pregnant women who were COVID-19 carriers (p=0.002) and patients (p=0.002). Conclusion: Close monitoring of IL-6 and IL-10 cytokine levels is recommended to minimize the risk of adverse outcomes in pregnant women presenting with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. In this way, it may be possible to distinguish moderate–mild COVID-19 from severe COVID-19 in pregnant women.