PleurafluidLDHWert

PleurafluidLDHWert refers to the concentration of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in pleural fluid. Pleural fluid is the thin layer of fluid that lubricates the space between the lungs and the chest wall. Measuring LDH levels in this fluid is a diagnostic tool used to help differentiate between different types of pleural effusions.

Pleural effusions are abnormal accumulations of fluid in the pleural space. They can be caused by a variety of conditions, including inflammation, infection, heart failure, and cancer. The LDH level in the pleural fluid, along with other biochemical markers and clinical findings, can assist in classifying the effusion as either an exudate or a transudate. Exudative effusions are typically caused by local inflammation or disease of the pleura, while transudative effusions are usually due to systemic conditions that alter fluid balance.

Elevated LDH levels in pleural fluid are generally indicative of an exudative effusion. This is because LDH is an enzyme released from cells when they are damaged or inflamed. Therefore, a higher concentration suggests a greater degree of pleural inflammation or cell turnover. The Light's criteria are commonly used to assess pleural effusions, and they include the ratio of pleural fluid LDH to serum LDH, as well as the absolute pleural fluid LDH level. A specific threshold for these values helps in classifying the effusion. Monitoring changes in PleurafluidLDHWert over time can also be valuable in tracking the progression or resolution of a pleural effusion.