| Autor: |
Klech, H., Rona, G., Knoth, E., Kummer, F., Bayer, P. |
| Zdroj: |
Klinische Wochenschrift; Apr1988, Vol. 66 Issue 8, p346-350, 5p |
| Abstrakt: |
Polymorphonuclear (PMN) granulocyte derived neutrophil elastase (NE) is rapidly antagonized by α-proteinase inhibitor (α PI) in vivo. To determine the clinical value of elastase α-proteinase inhibitor complexes (E-α PI) in pleural effusions, fluid samples of 99 patients were examined. Fifty-six had malignant effusions, 30 had nonmalignant exudates (pleural protein above 3 g/dl) mainly of inflammatory origin, and 13 patients had low protein transudates (below 3 g/dl) due to congestive heart failure. Nonmalignant exudates showed significantly higher ( P<0.001) concentrations of E-α PI compared with malignant effusions or low protein transudates ( P<0.001). Malignant exudates secondary to lung cancer were characterized by higher ( P<0.001) median pleural E-α PI concentrations compared to malignant exudates due to primarily extrathoracic malignancies. Total pleural leukocyte counts and pleural neutrophil counts were performed in 68 effusions. By this means no clear-cut differentiation between malignant and nonmalignant exudates seems possible except for marked empyema. In conclusion, E-α PI complexes in pleural fluid may better reflect the stage of inflammation of pleural effusions rather than mere pleural leukocyte counts. Low levels of E-α PI complexes (<75 ng/ml) in pleural exudates with protein values above 3 g/dl are characteristic of malignant exudates. Determination of E-α PI in pleural exudates may serve as a sensitive marker of inflammation and useful adjunct to pleural cytology in aspects of differential diagnosis of pleural effusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Databáze: |
Complementary Index |
| Externí odkaz: |
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