Intereukin 6 levels in adenotonsillar hyperplasia and chronic recurrent tonsillits

Abstract

Background The primary etiology of adenotonsillar hyperplasia and chronic recurrent tonsillitis is inflammation which is mediated by cytokines such as Interleukin-6 which is both a pro and antiinflammatory agent. In this study the IL-6 levels in adenotonsillar tissue of patients with AH, ATH and CRT were measured. Ojectives To measure the levels of interleukin 6 in adenotonsillar tissue in adenotonsillar hyperplasia and chronic recurrent tonsillitis. Study design Prospective cross-sectional study Materials and methods 83 patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy for ATH and CRT were recruited and IL-6 assays carried out and correlated with the use of medications such as antihistamines, topical steroids and antibiotics prior to surgery. Data annalysis Data was entered into preformatted sheets and analyzed with the SPSS17.0. Means, percentages and statistical significance were calculated. Independent t-test and Analysis of variance (ANOV A) with LSD Post Hoc multiple comparisons were used. Results the male to female ratio was 53.01 :46.99. Patients with ATH and AH were72.3% with grade 3 and 4 tonsils as the majority at 66.2%. The highest level of IL-.6'was 1.029 while the lowest was 0.104 with a mean of 0.4347. Patients who had tonsillectomies had higher IL- 6 levels compared to those who had adenoidectomies with a mean difference which was significant (p<O.OO I). The mean difference in IL6 levels of patients who were on antihistamines versus those who were not was not significant (p= 0.444). The mean difference of IL-6 of patients on topisal steroids and those who were not was significant (p<O.OOl) Conlusion ll- 6 levels were more elevated in patients with both CRT and ATH than in patients with AH only. Thus elevated IL-6 levels may be a mark of disease chronicity The use of topical nasal steroids leads to reduced lL6 levels thus are an effective medical treatment for AH. The use of oral antihistamines did not significantly affect lL6 levels