Abstract: ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between interleukin-6(IL-6) production and central nervous injury in septic
patients.MethodsTwenty-two septic patients without central nervous system diseases were examined for serum IL-6and
neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels, and the serum NSE levels and APACHEII scores were compared between patients with
low, moderate, and high serum IL-6levels. The correlations between NSE, APACHEII and serum IL-6were analyzed.Results
In patients with low, moderate, and high serum IL-6levels, the serum levels of NSE were10.29±4.05, 16.06±5.84and23.97±3.28
μg/L, respectively, showinga significant difference betweenthe 3 groups (P<0.001). The APACHEII scores also differed
significantly between the3groups (14.17±4.67, 16.40±4.84, and 24.00±6.26, respectively, P=0.009). Correlation analysis showed
significant positive correlations of IL-6with NSE (r=0.788, P<0.001) and with APACHEII scores (r=0.733, P<0.001).Conclusion
In septic patients, serum IL-6level is significantly correlated with the severity of sepsis and brain injury, and can be used as a
marker to monitor brain injury in septic patients.