Evaluation of Levels of Some Inflammatory Cytokines in Preeclamptic Women in Owerri

Preeclampsia is a serious and life-threatening pregnancy complication. In this study, the levels of inflammatory cytokines were measured in preeclamptic women in Owerri, Imo State. A total of 120 pregnant women aged 18-45 years at 20-40 weeks of pregnancy were recruited; 60 were preeclamptic women (test group) while 60 were normotensive pregnant women (control group). Preeclampsia was determined by the presence of ≥2+ protein in the urine using combi 2 dipstick for urinalysis and sphygmomanometer blood pressure reading of ≥ 140/90 mmHg. From the demographic data obtained in the studied subject through questionnaire, it showed that nulliparity and family history of high blood pressure were the most dominant risk factor of preeclampsia. The mean of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) in the test group were 4.33±1.42 pg/ml and 8.23±2.73 pg/ml while that of the control group were 3.38±1.22 pg/ml and 6.89±1.88 pg/ml. There was a significant increase in the pro-inflammatory cytokines of the preeclamptic women when compared to the control group. The mean of the anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 & IL-4) of the group were 78.88±14.28 pg/ml and 27.92±7.22pg/ml while the control group was 91.39± 18.46 pg/ml and 31.25±6.90 pg/ml. There was a significant decrease in the result obtained from the test group when compared to the control group. The levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines were higher than the levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokines of the test group when compared with the control group. Hence there is need to manage the disorder with an anti inflammatory drugs in order to enhance obstetric care, thereby reducing maternal mortality and morbidity that may occur from haemostatic abnormalities.