Clinical application of maternal serum cytokine determination in premature rupture of membranes--interleukin-6, an early predictor of neonatal infection?

Background: In cases of premature rupture of membranes (PROM), an early detection of fetal infection is necessary in order to weigh infectious complications against prematurity. As routine parameters (leukocytes, C-reactive protein (CRP), fever, and fetal tachycardia) lack satisfactory sensitivity and specificity, this study evaluates whether the determination of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) or soluble interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) in maternal serum could supplement or replace routine inflammation parameters.

Methods: In this prospective study results of clinical and laboratory parameters were investigated with respect to neonatal infection in 71 patients with PROM.

In vitro activity of titanocenedichloride versus cisplatin and doxorubicin in primary and recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer.

Background: Titanocenedichloride (MKT 4) is a new antineoplastic metal complex with proven activity in several experimental tumors.

Material And Methods: In the present study, the cytotoxic activity of titanocenedichloride in fourteen primary and twelve recurrent ovarian carcinomas (OvCA) was evaluated by an in vitro adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence assay.

Results: In primary tumors, MKT 4 was found to be at least as effective as cisplatin (DDP) and doxorubicin (DOX).