A comparison of proteins in serum and pleural fluid

Abstract

A comparison was made between the proteins in serum and pleural fluid in 52 cases of pleural effusion using the technique of paper electrophoresis.

The results showed a marked difference in the proportion of α₂ globulin present in the serum and pleural fluid in the majority of cases of pleural effusion associated with neoplastic disease. It is suggested that these changes might be used as an aid in the differential diagnosis of cases of pleural effusion.