Comparison of interleukin 6 levels in patients with Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis based on histopathological grade

BACKGROUND: Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with Hirschsprung's disease (HD). Bacteria that penetrate the body's epithelial surface induce macrophages to secrete cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6. This study aimed to compare IL-6 levels in patients with HD with or without HAEC based on their histopathological grade according to Teitelbaum's criteria. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 15 children with HD with or without HAEC. It used the Delphi method to establish the HAEC diagnosis. IL-6 levels in blood samples were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: While IL-6 levels differed between those with and without HAEC (212.00 +/- 366.53 and 46.64 +/- 0.00, respectively), the difference was nonsignificant (P=0.165). However, IL-6 levels were significantly positively correlated with the HAEC histopathology grade (Spearman's r =0.844, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A strong positive correlation exists between the HAEC histopathological grade and IL-6 levels. Therefore, checking IL-6 levels in children with suspected HAEC could be helpful for earlier diagnosis and treatment, reducing their morbidity.