Serum IL-6 and CRP levels in patients with trauma involving low-extremity bone fractures

Cytokines and acute phase proteins have been implicated in the systemic response to trauma. The aim of this study was to measure the IL-6, CRP, ALP, calcium and phosphorus levels in patients with trauma involving low-extremity bone fractures at 6, 24 and 48 hours following trauma. Serum samples were obtained from 21 trauma patients with femoral or tibial fractures at 6th, 24th and 48th hour following trauma. Serum IL-6, CRP, ALP, calcium and phosphorus levels were measured in these samples. Serum levels of IL-6, CRP and ALP at 24th hour were found to be significantly elevated in comparison to their levels at 6th hour (p=0.01, p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). Moreover, the levels of CRP and ALP were found to be significantly elevated at 48th hour compared to their levels at 6th hour (p<0.01). However, serum IL-6 levels at 48th hour were found to be lower than the levels at 6th hour (p<0.01). There was not a significant correlation between CRP and IL-6 levels at different time points. Serum calcium and phosphorus levels did not change significantly. We have demonstrated that IL-6 reached its peak level in 24 hours after trauma and its level in the 48th hour decreased below that of 6th hour. CRP, as an acute phase reactant, increased for the first 24 hours and stayed elevated for the next 24 hours. Further studies should be conducted to demonstrate the correlation between the extent of injury and IL-6 and CRP levels.