Correlation between serum interleukin-6 levels and the severity of Enlist ENL Severity Scale (EESS) in Erythema Nodosum Leprosum (ENL) patients

Introduction: Leprosy is a chronic infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae (M. Leprae) which no biological examination can yet be appointed as an early marker. This research is aimed to analyze the correlation between serum IL-6 levels and the severity of the ENLIST ENL Severity Scale (EESS) in ENL. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on all leprosy patients with ENL who sought treatment at the Dermatology and Venereology Polyclinic, North Sumatra University Hospital, dr. Pirngadi General Hospital, and H. Adam Malik General Hospital Medan. ENL patients who were uncooperative, with infectious, autoimmune, malignant diseases, or who were pregnant or breastfeeding were excluded. Data processing was carried out with the help of statistical software with a significance value <0.05. Results: A total of 40 ENL patients were studied. The mean age of the patients was 33.10±12.23 years, male (70%), high school (75%), and not working (95%). The degree of severity based on mild EESS was more dominant than severe, namely 57.5% vs 42.5%, respectively. The median IL6 level was 64.65±34.06 in ENL patients and was higher in severe compared with mild EESS, namely 105.18±24.14 versus 50.08±16.84, respectively (p=0.103, p=0.167, respectively). There was a very strong and significant positive correlation between serum IL6 levels and EESS (r: 0.813 and p<0.05). Conclusion: There was a correlation between serum IL6 levels and EESS. Further study is needed in measuring serum IL6 levels to detect early severity of ENL.