OBJECTIVETo evaluate the changes in the expressions of the inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-10) in blood serum of the patients after total hip replacement (THR).

METHODSFrom February 2010 to June 2010, thirty patients undergone primary total hip arthroplasty in one side including 18 male and 12 female with the mean age of (58.4 +/- 6.6) years (ranged from 52 to 70 years). Twenty patients were Ficat II type,and 10 patients were Ficat III type. The contents of IL-1, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-10 in blood serum were detected on the day before operation and 1 to 3 days after operation respectively by ELISA. At the same time, the content of C reactive protein was also detected, and the results were statistically analyzed.

RESULTSThe contents of IL-1, IL-6 and IL-10 in the serum of patients at the first day after THR were significantly higher than those before operation (t = 2.62, 3.51, 2.21, P < 0.05), and reached the peak at 1 to 3 days after operations, then subsequently decreased. However, the content of IL-2 in the serum of patients after operation was obvious lower (t = 2.16, P < 0.05),and recovered to normal level gradually.

CONCLUSIONIt is the key time of treatment at 1 to 3 days after THR. Monitoring IL-1, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-10 after operation in time, and monitoring life sign at the same time could sensitively observe the effect of treatment and forecast the trend of diseases in patients.