Add like
Add dislike
Add to saved papers

Matrix metalloproteinase levels in the differentiation of parapneumonic pleural effusions.

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in the escalation of fibrosis and remodeling which are central to the subsequent progression of a parapneumonic pleural effusion to empyema.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was the assessment of MMP-2, MMP-8 and MMP-9 in parapneumonic pleural effusions in order to examine their value in the differentiation between uncomplicated and complicated parapneumonic effusions.

METHODS: The study included 208 consecutive patients with pleural effusions [60 parapneumonic (27 uncomplicated parapneumonic, 17 complicated parapneumonic, 16 empyemas), 24 tuberculous, 89 malignant and 35 transudates]. Concentrations of pleural fluid and serum MMP-2, MMP-8 and MMP-9 were determined by immunoassay.

RESULTS: Pleural fluid MMP-8 and MMP-9 levels were higher in complicated parapneumonic effusions or empyema than in uncomplicated effusions, while their serum levels were higher in complicated parapneumonic effusions. MMP-2 levels were higher in uncomplicated than in complicated parapneumonic effusions or empyema. Pleural fluid MMP-2/MMP-9 ratio was the best marker to differentiate complicated from uncomplicated parapneumonic effusions, with a sensitivity of 94.1% and a specificity of 77.8% at a cut-off point of 1.32 (AUC = 0.887).

CONCLUSIONS: Pleural fluid MMP-2, MMP-8 and MMP-9 may provide useful information for differentiating between uncomplicated and complicated parapneumonic effusions.

Full text links

We have located links that may give you full text access.
Can't access the paper?
Try logging in through your university/institutional subscription. For a smoother one-click institutional access experience, please use our mobile app.

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

Mobile app image

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.

Your Privacy Choices Toggle icon

You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app