Interleukin 6 and interleukin 8 play important roles in systemic inflammatory response syndrome of meconium peritonitis

Purpose Meconium peritonitis is caused by an intestinal perforation that may occur in the fetus, followed by severe chemical peritonitis, resulting in high morbidity. Methods We have experienced six patients with meconium peritonitis. Cystic drainage was performed soon after birth for all patients. We investigated the concentrations of several cytokines and a chemokine (interleukin 8) in the ascites from the six patients with meconium peritonitis. In two patients we also measured the serum cytokines and chemokine level just after birth. Results Interleukin 6 and interleukin 8 concentrations were very high in the cyst or ascites just after birth. In the serum taken from two patients, the levels of interleukin 6 and interleukin 8 were also high. In five patients who underwent drainage of cysts after birth, systemic inflammation could not be completely suppressed before curative surgery. Conclusions Interleukin 6 and interleukin 8 play important roles in the inflammatory response syndrome associated with meconium peritonitis, and drainage of cystic fluid did not completely suppress this inflammation. To lessen the high morbidity of meconium peritonitis, efforts should be made to suppress the inflammatory response using new treatment strategies, such as administration of steroids or anti-cytokine therapy to supplement cystic drainage.