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  • Title: Pleural interleukin-1 beta in differentiating transudates and exudates: comparative analysis with other biochemical parameters.
    Author: Alexandrakis MG, Kyriakou D, Alexandraki R, Pappa KA, Antonakis N, Bouros D.
    Journal: Respiration; 2002; 69(3):201-6. PubMed ID: 12097761.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: The differential diagnosis of pleural effusion is a frequent clinical problem. The possible role of pleural fluid cytokines in discriminating transudates from exudates has not been studied adequately. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum and pleural fluid levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and to compare it with common biochemical parameters such as cholesterol (CHOL), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total protein and albumin. METHODS: One hundred and six consecutive patients with pleural effusion were studied. IL-1 beta was measured simultaneously in blood and pleural fluid using a radioimmunoassay. Standard laboratory methods were employed for biochemical parameters. RESULTS: Using ROC analysis, a pleural IL-1 beta cutoff level 18.16 fmol/ml had a sensitivity of 76.8%, a specificity of 58.3% and a positive predictive value (PPV) 86.3% in the discrimination of transudates vs. all exudates. Serum IL-1 beta levels were higher in the nonmalignant group but without statistical difference compared with transudate patients. In addition, a significant difference was found between serum IL-1 beta in the malignant group in comparison with those of the transudate group (p < 0.01), also IL-1 beta levels were significantly increased in exudate effusion when compared with transudate (p < 0.001, p < 0.05, respectively). CHOL values of > or =65 mg/dl had 92.7% sensitivity, and 100% specificity and PPV for both. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that although IL-1 beta could be a marker with relatively good sensitivity and PPV for the differentiation of pleural effusion, the cost and time needed do not support its use as a routine laboratory test.
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