95). Furthermore, pre-operative IL-6 concentrations were markedly lower in SIP, a condition that is sometimes difficult to differentiate from NEC (Refs 62, 182). Similarly, a mathematical model employing the sequential use of IL-10, IL-6 and RANTES plasma measurements predicted the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation in VLBW infants with severe sepsis and NEC (Ref. 183). This evidence concerns the gene IL6 and Sepsis.