Increased interleukin 6 concentrations in the absence and presence of HIV-1 infection in haemophilia. Issue 9 (September 1992)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Madhok, R; Cruickshank, A; Gracie, A J; Shenkin, A; Lowe, G D
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical pathology. Volume 45:Issue 9(1992)
• Page Start: 766
• Page End: 769
• Publication Date: 1992-09
• Subjects: Pathology -- Periodicals; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; 616.0705
• DOI: 10.1136/jcp.45.9.766
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9746

Abstract

Abstract : AIMS: To measure IL-6 concentrations in asymptomatic HIV-1 antibody positive and negative haemophilic patients and to correlate these with IgG concentrations and CD4 positive cell numbers. METHODS: IL-6 concentrations were measured by bioassay in stored serum from a prospective cohort of haemophilic patients in whom immunoglobulins and T cell subsets had been determined. Values of IL-6 and immunoglobulins were also correlated with severity of liver disease. RESULTS: IL-6 concentrations were raised in haemophilic patients independent of HIV-1 antibody status. In HIV-1 antibody positive patients there was no correlation between IL-6 concentrations and CD4 positive cell numbers, but there was a correlation with IgG (r = 0.4; p = 0.05). In HIV-1 antibody negative patients there were no significant correlations. CONCLUSIONS: Haemophilic patients have increased IL-6 concentrations; in HIV-1 positive patients this is independent of the decline in CD4 cell count. The raised concentrations do not correlate with the clinical severity of liver disease.