First trimester interleukin 8 levels are associated with postpartum relapse in multiple sclerosis

Mult Scler. 2009 Nov;15(11):1356-8. doi: 10.1177/1352458509107009. Epub 2009 Sep 29.

Abstract

Pregnancy has an ameliorating effect on multiple sclerosis (MS), but directly after delivery the risk of a relapse is increased. The pro-inflammatory chemokine interleukin 8 is associated with disease activity. We aimed to investigate whether pregnancy-induced fluctuations of interleukin 8 correlate with periods of enhanced and diminished disease activity. Thirty-six women with MS were prospectively studied before, during and after pregnancy. Serum levels of interleukin 8 were significantly decreased during the third trimester (p = 0.03). High first trimester serum levels of interleukin 8 were associated with a high risk of postpartum relapse (p = 0.007). These results help us to further understand the altered disease course during pregnancy.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-8 / blood*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / blood*
  • Postpartum Period
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / blood*
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Pregnancy Trimester, First / blood*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Recurrence
  • Risk

Substances

  • Interleukin-8