[Detection of D -dimer in pleural effusion].

The content of D -dimer in pleural fluid of different causes was examined by the ELISA method in 45 patients. The results were that the contents of D -dimer in both tuberculous and empyema pleural effusions were significantly higher than in malignant pleural effusion (P < 0.01; P < 0.05). D -dimer was positively correlated with lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) in pleural fluid (r = 0.4168, P < 0.01). The results suggest that fibrinolytic activities in tuberculous and empyema pleural effusion are much higher than in malignant pleural effusion. The detection of D -dimer in pleural fluid may reflect the extent of pleural inflammation and be helpful in the differential diagnosis of pleural effusion.