Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 12, 2025
07:20
Measuring Erythrocyte Complement Receptor 1 Using Flow Cytometry
Published on: May 19, 2020
7.3K
Role of C-Reactive Protein in Discrimination between Transudative and Exudative Pleural Effusions
Yana Kogan1,2,3, Edmond Sabo3,4, Majed Odeh1,3
1Department of Internal Medicine A, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa 3339419, Israel.
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 27, 2021
Summary
Serum C-reactive protein (CRPs), pleural fluid CRP (CRPpf), and CRP gradient (CRPg) effectively distinguish between transudative and exudative pleural effusions. The CRP ratio (CRPr) showed no diagnostic value.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Biochemistry
- Diagnostic Medicine
Background:
- Diagnostic criteria for pleural effusions (PEs) remain debated, particularly regarding C-reactive protein (CRP) markers.
- Previous studies on serum CRP (CRPs), pleural fluid CRP (CRPpf), and their ratio (CRPr) in differentiating transudative (TrPE) from exudative (ExPE) PEs used small cohorts.
- The diagnostic utility of the CRP gradient (CRPg) in PEs has not been previously investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of CRPs, CRPpf, CRPg, and CRPr in distinguishing between TrPE and ExPE.
- To assess these markers in a large patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 492 patients with PE (210 TrPE, 282 ExPE) was analyzed.
- Serum and pleural fluid CRP levels were measured.
- CRPg and CRPr were calculated and compared between TrPE and ExPE groups.
Main Results:
- CRPs, CRPpf, and CRPg levels were significantly higher in ExPE compared to TrPE (p < 0.0001).
- No significant difference in CRPr was observed between TrPE and ExPE (p = 0.15).
- Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated high diagnostic accuracy for CRPs (AUC=97%), CRPpf (AUC=95%), and CRPg (AUC=96%) with specific cut-off values.
Conclusions:
- CRPs, CRPpf, and CRPg are highly effective diagnostic markers for differentiating between TrPE and ExPE.
- CRPr is not a reliable marker for distinguishing between these pleural effusion types.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Pleural Effusion I: Introduction
2.3K
Pleural effusion is an abnormal fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, a narrow space between the lungs and the chest wall. It is not a disease per se but rather a symptom or indication of an underlying disease. In normal circumstances, this space contains a small amount of fluid (5 to 15 mL), a lubricant facilitating the non-frictional movement of the pleural surfaces.
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
2.3K
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
523
Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
523
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
258
Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
258
01:19Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
54
Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
54
01:24Inflammatory Response II: Inflammatory Exudate and Tissue Repair
6.0K
The immune system's inflammatory response destroys the invading pathogen, permitting the tissue to heal. The changes during the cellular and vascular stages allow exudate formation at the site of inflammation. The inflammatory exudate released from the wound has high protein content and a specific gravity above 1.020.
The typical wound exudate is odorless, transparent, straw-colored, thin, and watery. Exudate, however, can differ depending on the state of wound healing. Likewise, the...
The typical wound exudate is odorless, transparent, straw-colored, thin, and watery. Exudate, however, can differ depending on the state of wound healing. Likewise, the...
6.0K
01:28Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
321
Pleural Effusion Overview
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
321