Assessment of Serum Interleukin 6 in Atopic Dermatitis Paediatric Patients in Najaf Province

Abstract

 Objective: To investigate IL-6 levels in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis based on their feeding methods.
 Study Design: Cross-sectional study
 Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Al-Ashraf Hospital, Al-Najaf from 1st October 2024 and 1st January 2025.
Methods: Sixty pediatric patients (aged 3months–13 years) of both genders were included and divided into two groups: 30 breastfed and 30 bottle-fed children were enrolled. IL-6 levels were measured, along with immunological markers (IgA, IgE) and hematological parameters.
Results: IL-6 levels were higher in bottle-fed children (median = 2.8, IQR = 3.9) compared to breastfed children(median = 1.9, IQR = 2.2); however, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.4). Sociodemographic factors showed no significant associations in either group. In the correlation analysis, a significant negative correlation was found between IL-6 and platelet count among breastfed children (r =-0.373, p = 0.042), while in bottle-fed children, IL-6 was negatively correlated with mean platelet volume (MPV) (r =-0.366, p = 0.047).
 Conclusion: IL-6 levels tend to be elevated in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis, particularly among those who are bottle-fed. Additionally, IL-6 shows a negative correlation with platelet count and MPV, suggesting potential immunological and hematological implications based on feeding type.