Relationship of Serum Cytokine Profile to Steroid Resistance in Demyelinating Neurologic Illnesses

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Corticosteroids form main stay of treatment of autoimmune neurological diseases. Immunotherapy with Intravenous Immunoglobulin, Plasmapheresis, biological agents like Rituximab, Infliximab, etanarcept are also used for treatment of patients who are resistant to steroid treatment and in severe cases. This study was aimed to elicit the relationship between serum cytokine levels and steroid resistance which is important for early commencement of other medications. Methods: The serum samples of patients who presented with autoimmune neurological diseases were collected and cytokine levels were estimated. The cytokine profile of patients who responded well to steroid treatment was compared with that of steroid nonresponders. Results: The steroid unresponsive group had significantly higher serum Interferon gamma and IL-13 levels than steroid unresponsive group. Conclusion: when patients present with high serum levels of IL-13 and Interferon Gamma they should be considered for prompt escalation of immunomodulatory therapy.