Diagnosis of Parapneumonia Pleural Effusion With Serum and Pleural Effusion Activin A

Abstract Background We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of Activin A levels in serum and pleural effusion on parapneumonic pleural effusion (PPE). Methods We collected serum and pleural effusion from 86 PPE and 37 non-PPE (NPPE) patients. Including Activin A, levels of biomarkers as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. All factors were calculated for association with days after admission. The diagnostic potential of biomarkers on PPE was considered by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results Levels of Activin A in serum and pleural effusion of PPE patients were significantly higher than those of the NPPE patients. Moreover, concentrations of Activin A in pleural effusion showed a more obvious relevant days after admission. ROC curve analysis found that Activin A in pleural effusion had AUCs of 0.899 with 93% sensitivity and 84% specificity for PPE diagnosis. Conclusion Activin A in pleural effusion correlated with disease severity could act to diagnosis PPE.