An immunological evaluation of pleural effusions in systemic lupus erythematosus

Of 59 patients with pleural effusions, four had systemic lupus erythematosus. Assessments of pleural antinuclear antibody, rheumatoid factor, anti-DNA antibody and hemolytic complement after corrections for pleural protein and corresponding serum values were of no diagnostic significance. Pleural analyses did not contribute diagnostic information beyond that defined by serum markers.