Different Cytokine Profiles in Children with Acute Appendicitis and Acute Mesenteric Lymphadenitis

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of serum cytokines in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA) and acute mesenteric lymphadenitis (AML). Data were collected prospectively on 7 to 18 year old children (October 2010 - October 2013): 31 patients with AA, 26 patients with AML, and 17 patients with elective non-inflammatory surgical disease were selected as controls. Serum levels of IL-10, IL-12(p70), IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, MCP-1, EGF, TNF-α were measured. Patients with AA had significantly increased serum levels of IL-6(1) (z = -3.72; p = 0.0002) and IL-10(1) (z = -2.81; p = 0.005) compared to AML before any treatment. The consecutive measurements of MCP-1 in serum demonstrated a significant difference within 72 hours in the AA group (Wilks' Lambda test 0.80; F(2;29) = 3.5; p = 0.04) and also in the AML group (Wilks' Lambda test 0.70; F(2;24) = 5.0; p = 0.01). The increased values of IL-6 and IL-10 were the most reliable cytokines one hour before surgical intervention for patients with AA. MCP-1 values changed significantly within 72 hours after patient hospitalisation but did not differ between the groups, and could not be a helpful serum biomarker in distinguishing patients with AA and AML.