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Hyaluronan in pleural effusions and in serum
G Hillerdal1, U Lindqvist, A Engström-Laurent
1Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Akademiska Hospital, University of Uppsala, Sweden.
Cancer
|May 1, 1991
Summary
High levels of hyaluronic acid (HYA) in pleural fluid are not specific to malignant mesothelioma. HYA can also be elevated in various other malignant and benign pleural effusions, indicating it is not a definitive diagnostic marker.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Malignant mesothelioma diagnosis can be challenging.
- Hyaluronan (HYA) in pleural fluid has been proposed as a potential biomarker for malignant mesothelioma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diagnostic specificity of hyaluronan (HYA) levels in pleural fluid for malignant mesothelioma.
- To compare HYA concentrations in pleural fluid across various causes of pleural effusion.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of hyaluronan (HYA) concentration in pleural fluid and serum samples.
- Analysis of HYA levels in 78 patients with diverse pleural effusion etiologies, including malignant mesothelioma, metastatic malignancy, cardiac insufficiency, viral infections, and benign asbestos effusions.
Main Results:
- Elevated pleural fluid HYA levels (≥100 mg/l) were observed in some patients with malignant mesothelioma, metastatic malignancy, cardiac insufficiency, viral infections, postinfectious effusions, and benign asbestos effusions.
- Serum HYA levels were significantly lower than pleural fluid levels and showed no correlation with pleural fluid HYA concentrations.
- The highest HYA level was found in a patient with postinfectious effusion, not mesothelioma.
Conclusions:
- High pleural fluid hyaluronan (HYA) is not a specific indicator of malignant mesothelioma.
- Elevated HYA levels can be present in various malignant and benign pleural diseases.
- Low pleural fluid HYA levels do not rule out the possibility of malignant mesothelioma.