Trace element levels in pleural effusions

Matrix metalloproteinase levels in the differentiation of parapneumonic pleural effusions.

BACKGROUND Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in the escalation of fibrosis and remodeling which are central to the subsequent progression of a parapneumonic pleural effusion to empyema. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was the assessment of MMP-2, MMP-8 and MMP-9 in parapneumonic pleural effusions in order to examine their value in the differentiation between uncomplicated...

Adenosine deaminase levels in nontuberculous lymphocytic pleural effusions.

OBJECTIVES Adenosine deaminase (ADA) can aid in the diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusions, but false-positive findings from lymphocytic effusions have been reported. We studied the ADA levels in a variety of nontuberculous lymphocytic effusions and analyzed the relationships between ADA and conventional hematologic and biochemical parameters. METHODS One hundred six lymphocytic pleural f...

The Differential Diagnostic Values of Cytokine Levels in Pleural Effusions

The aim is to examine whether the changes in pleural fluid interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-8 levels were significant in differential diagnosis of childhood pleural effusions. IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-8 levels in pleural fluids of all 36 patients were measured. The levels of IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-8 in pleural fluids were statistically significantly higher in the transudate ...

Lysozyme in pleural effusions.

IL-33 levels differentiate tuberculous pleurisy from malignant pleural effusions

Tuberculous pleural effusions (TPEs) and malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) are difficult to differentiate between in certain clinical situations. Interleukin (IL)-33 is a cytokine that participates in inflammatory responses and may have a role in pleural effusions. The present study aimed to investigate the concentrations and potential differential significance of IL-33 in patients with TPE an...