IL6 plasma concentrations in patients with sepsis receiving SLED and antibiotics: A predictor for survival

Background: The present study evaluated interleukin-6 (IL6) as a predictor of mortality in patients and sepsis with acute kidney injury (AKI) receiving sustained low-efficiency dialysis (SLED) and antibiotic therapy. Patients and Methods: Seven patients with sepsis receiving antibiotics and SLED for AKI were studied. Blood was obtained at baseline prior to SLED and antibiotics, during SLED, and then after stopping SLED. IL6 concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Mean plasma IL6 concentrations ranged between 700 and 900 pg/ml for the first 8 h after starting SLED but was significantly lower after discontinuation of SLED (200-250 pg/ml) (p=0.0044). Three out of seven patients survived to be discharged from the hospital and all three had significantly lower concentrations of IL6 during the first 8 h compared to those who died in the hospital (p<0.0001). Conclusion: The combination of SLED and antibiotic therapy was unable to lower the initial high plasma IL6 concentrations, and high initial IL6 concentrations predicted in-hospital mortality.