Evaluation of serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) level in patients with Hepatitis B

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a large public health problem that kills 250,000 people every year around the world. Aim: The study aimed to determine the serum level of interleukin-6 as a biomarker of inflammation among adult patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Misrata. Method: This research was conducted at Misrata Hospital for Liver and Gastrointestinal Disorders from 12 February to 30 July 2023. The study included 70 patients who visited the virology clinic and were assessed in terms of age, gender, and medical history. The study measured IL-6 levels using an immunoassay technique, as well as liver enzyme levels AST, ALT, and CRP. The same test was also applied to 30 cases from the control group. Results: Linear regression results for interleukin 6 were strongly positively associated with vital signs for patients with HBV whose diagnosis was confirmed. ROC analysis showed that interleukin-6 was the most discriminative and accurate biomarker, and the critical point between patients and healthy cases was >5.66 (SP = 86.67, SE = 87.14), making it an excellent diagnostic marker for patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Conclusion: The role of IL-6 as a surrogate biomarker for the management of patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is promising but requires further study.