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Infectious pleural effusions can be identified by sTREM-1 levels

R M Determann1, A A Achouiti, A A El Solh

  • 1Academic Medical Center, Department of Intensive Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. r.m.determann@amc.uva.nl

Respiratory Medicine
|October 17, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) shows superior diagnostic value for pleural infection compared to C-reactive protein and procalcitonin. This biomarker aids in rapid diagnosis of pleural infections in intensive care patients.

Area of Science:

  • Medical diagnostics
  • Biomarker research
  • Critical care medicine

Background:

  • Conventional methods for diagnosing pleural infection are slow and often insufficient.
  • Biomarkers offer potential for rapid and accurate infection detection.
  • Pleural effusions require timely and precise etiological diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate and compare the diagnostic utility of pleural fluid biomarkers.
  • To assess soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1), C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin.
  • To determine the effectiveness of these markers in intensive care unit patients with pleural effusions.

Main Methods:

  • An observational study included 36 patients with de novo pleural effusions and 40 control patients.
  • Pleural fluid levels of sTREM-1, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin were measured.
  • Diagnostic performance was assessed using sensitivity and specificity.

Main Results:

  • sTREM-1 levels were highest in empyemas and infectious exudates, low in transudates.
  • Positive cultures correlated with higher sTREM-1 and C-reactive protein levels.
  • sTREM-1 achieved 93% sensitivity and 86% specificity at a 50 pg/mL cutoff.

Conclusions:

  • sTREM-1 demonstrates superior accuracy in detecting pleural infection compared to C-reactive protein and procalcitonin.
  • sTREM-1 is a promising biomarker for rapid diagnosis of pleural infections.
  • The findings support the use of sTREM-1 in clinical decision-making for pleural effusions.

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