Abstract

ABSTRACT: Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) a proinflammatory cytokine associated with adult lung diseases, may play a role in the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Concentrations of IL-1β were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from 17 infants on day 1 of life and in 18 infants intubated until day 14. IL-1β was detected in 31 of 35 samples. Day 14 concentrations were significantly higher than those obtained on day 1. The four infants who had BPD had significantly higher IL-1β levels than those who received oxygen for less than a week or for 1 to 4 weeks. Day 1 IL-1β concentration was related to the neutrophil count and inversely to gestational age. IL-1β is present in the majority of newborn infants intubated on day 1 or at 2 weeks of life and is elevated during the first 24 hours in infants who will subsequently require longer ventilatory support. It is also elevated in infants who have a stronger pulmonary inflammatory response.