Effect of the interleukin-6 promoter polymorphism (−174 G/C) on the incidence and outcome of sepsis

Abstract

The IL-6 promoter polymorphism (-174 G/C) does not affect the incidence of sepsis. However, the GG homozygous genotype is significantly associated with an improved survival in sepsis. Because this association is independent from the systemic IL-6 response, we suggest that other genetically linked polymorphisms may be the primary cause.