High Maternal Serum Interleukin-8 and Endocervical Neutrophil Cell Count as Risk Factors for Preterm Labor

Background Preterm labor incidence rates are still high in various countries including Indonesia ranging from 10-20 %. The definite cause of preterm labor remains unknown. IL-8 and neutrophil cell are thought to play important role in the pathogenesis of preterm labor. Objective To determine the role of high maternal serum IL-8 and endocervical neutrophil cell count as risk factors for preterm labor. Study design This is a case control study, involving 46 preterm labor cases and 46 preterm pregnancy controls. Results High level of IL-8 in maternal serum increased the risk of preterm labor by 96 times ( OR =95.56, 95 % CI=22.38-40.87, p = 0.001) compared to low level maternal serum IL8. High number endocervical neutrophil cells increased the risk of preterm labor by 68 times ( OR =68.08, 95 % CI=16.84-275.21, p = 0.001) compared to the low number of neutrophil cells. Maternal serum IL-8 is a more dominant risk factor for preterm labor compared to endocervical neutrophil. Conclusion High level of maternal IL - 8 and endocervical neutrophil cells increase the risk of preterm labor by 96 times and 68 times respectively. Maternal serum IL - 8 is a more dominant risk factor for preterm labor compared to endocervical neutrophil cells.