BACKGROUND Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is a cytokine that downregulates inflammation, in part by reducing the production of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-8. It has been suggested that an inability to produce IL-10 might predispose preterm infants to develop chronic lung disease.

AIM To measure IL-10, IL-1β, and IL-8 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from ventilated preterm infants in a prospective cohort study.

PATIENTS 17 consecutive newborn infants ⩽ 29 weeks' gestational age (median, 25; 9 boys) who were ventilated from birth underwent daily bronchoalveolar lavage sampling.

RESULTS 102 samples were collected, of which 57 contained IL-10 in amounts that were comparable with those found previously in ventilated term infants with respiratory failure. Chronic lung disease developed in 9 of the 11 survivors and all 9 infants had produced IL-10. IL-1β and IL-8 were detected in nearly all samples and were raised throughout the course of sample collection.

CONCLUSION IL-10 is readily detectable in early bronchoalveolar lavage samples from ventilated preterm infants, although it remains unclear whether this cytokine has any influence on the development of chronic lung disease.