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The pathogenesis of low glucose, low pH malignant effusions
The American Review of Respiratory Disease
|May 1, 1985
Summary
Malignant pleural effusions with low pH and glucose result from impaired transfer of glucose and gases across the abnormal pleural membrane. This membrane dysfunction, not increased acid production, causes low glucose and pH in these effusions.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Oncology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Malignant pleural effusions often present with low pH and low glucose.
- Potential causes include cellular metabolism and impaired transport across the pleura.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenesis of low pH and low glucose in malignant pleural effusions.
- To differentiate between metabolic activity and transport abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Incubation studies of pleural fluid.
- Glucose and gas (CO2) transport studies across the pleural membrane.
- Comparison between low pH effusions and control effusions.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in pleural fluid metabolic activity between low pH and control effusions.
- Impaired glucose transfer into and out of the pleural space in low pH effusions.
- Impaired carbon dioxide efflux from the pleural space in low pH effusions.
Conclusions:
- Abnormal pleural membrane function, due to tumor or fibrosis, impairs glucose and hydrogen ion transfer.
- This impaired transfer, not increased acid production, leads to low glucose and pH in malignant pleural effusions.