Abstract:
Background: High plasma interleukin-6 is common in chronic kidney disease patients due to
chronic stress, prolonged inflammation, and fluid overload. However, conflicting opinions still
exist. Moreover, the effects of age, sex, and ethnicity on interleukin-6 level in chronic kidney
disease is not known. Aim: This study aimed to determine interleukin-6 level in chronic kidney
disease patients in Khartum, Sudan.Methods: This is a cross-sectional laboratory based study. A
total of 88 participants consisting of 44 chronic kidney disease patients and 44 apparently
healthy control. Of the 44 chronic kidney disease patients, 27 (61%) were male and 17 (39%)
female. According to their age, 15 (34%) ≤ 40 years and 29 (66%) ˃ 40 years old. Concerning the
duration of disease, 31 (70%) were ≤ 2 years and 13 (30%) were ˃ 2 years. Hemoglobin and
interleukin-6 concentration were determined using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.
Results: Plasma interleukin -6 levels was significantly (p= 0.011) elevated in chronic kidney
disease (Mean ± SD = 51.72 ± 9.63) compared to control group (Mean ± SD = 24.77±3.27). When
hemoglobin was considered, interleukin -6 correlates negatively with significant difference
(Correlation coefficient = -0.0364, p = 0.033). However, there was no statistical significant
difference among the sex, age, and duration of the disease.Conclusion: Interleukin -6 level was
significantly elevated in chronic kidney disease. There was no significant difference in the
interleukin -6 level among the sex, age, and duration of the disease. When hemoglobin was
considered, there was a negative correlation with interleukin -6
