Plasma and CSF concentrations of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), and IL-1 soluble receptor type II (IL-1sRII), in patients with meningococcal meningitis without shock (group A), meningitis with shock (group B), or shock without meningitis (group C). The left panel shows the maximal plasma concentration at the day of admission of IL-1β and IL-1Ra, and the first measured value of IL-1sRII. The right panel shows the CSF concentrations. Horizontal lines indicate medians; crosses refer to patients who died.