Plasma levels of fibrinogen and D-dimer in patients with parapneumonic pleural effusion and their clinical significance

Abstract

Objective To study the plasma levels of fibrinogen (FBG) and D-dimer (DD) in patients with parapneumonic pleural effusion and the relationship with the disease,and provide a basis for treatment. Methods The plasma FBG and DD of 33 patients with parapneumonic pleural effusion were measured,and compared with those of 30 healthy controls, 35 patients with pneumonia and 21 patients with pulmonary embolism. Those of 11 patients were repeatedly measured after treatment. Results The level of FBG in patients with parapneumonic pleural effusion was higher than that in control, pneumonia patients and pulmonary embolism patients. The level of DD in patients with parapneumonic pleural effusion was higher than that in control and pneumonia patients, but there was no statistical significance between patients with parapneumonic pleural effusion and patients with pulmonary embolism. The levels of FBG and DD in complicated parapneumonic pleural effusion group were higher than those in uncomplicated parapneumonic pleural effusion group. The levels of FBG and DD decreased after therapy. Conclusions The levels of DD and FBG increase significantly in patients with parapneumonic pleural effusion,and they are relative with the severity of the disease. It is suggested that there is disorder between coagulation and fibrinolysis,and the alternation of DD and FBG may be a useful index for evaluating the severity of the disease and therapeutic efficacy. Key words: Parapneumonic pleural effusion; Fibrinogen; D-dimer