BACKGROUND: Information on cytokine profiles in fungal sepsis (FS), an important cause of mortality in extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infants, is lacking. We hypothesized that cytokine profiles in the first 21 d of life in ELBW infants with FS differ from those with bacterial sepsis (BS) or no sepsis (NS). METHODS: In a secondary analysis of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Cytokine study, three groups were defined-FS (>= 1 episode of FS), BS (>= 1 episode of BS without FS), and NS. Association between 11 cytokines assayed in dried blood spots obtained on days 0-1, 3 +/- 1, 7 +/- 2, 14 +/- 3, and 21 +/- 3 and sepsis group was explored. RESULTS: Of 1,066 infants, 89 had FS and 368 had BS. As compared with BS, FS was more likely to be associated with lower birthweight, vaginal delivery, patent ductus arteriosus, postnatal steroids, multiple central lines, longer respiratory support and hospital stay, and higher mortality (P < 0.05). Analyses controlling for covariates showed significant group differences over time for interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin (IL)-10, IL-18, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Significant differences in profiles for IFN-gamma, IL-10, IL-18, TGF-beta,and TNF-alpha in FS, BS,or NS in this hypothesis-generating secondary study require validation in rigorously designed prospective studies and may have implications for diagnosis and treatment
