Diagnostic utility of pleural cell-free nucleic acids in undiagnosed pleural effusions

Clin Chem Lab Med. 2022 Jul 4;60(10):1518-1524. doi: 10.1515/cclm-2022-0519. Print 2022 Sep 27.

Abstract

Pleural effusion (PE) is a common sign caused by various disorders. Microbiology, histology and cytology are reference standards for these disorders. However, these diagnostic tools have limitations, including invasiveness, high cost, long turnaround time, and observer-dependent. Soluble biomarkers in pleural fluid (PF) are promising diagnostic tools because they are mininvasive, economical, and objective. Recent studies have revealed that some cell-free nucleic acids (e.g., DNA, mRNA, microRNA, and lncRNA) in PF are potential diagnostic markers for many disorders. Here, we review the performance of PF cell-free nucleic acids for differentiating and stratification of PE.

Keywords: cell-free nucleic acids; diagnosis; malignant pleural effusion; pleural effusion.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers
  • Cell-Free Nucleic Acids* / chemistry
  • Exudates and Transudates
  • Humans
  • Pleural Effusion* / diagnosis
  • Pleural Effusion* / metabolism
  • Pleural Effusion, Malignant* / diagnosis
  • Pleural Effusion, Malignant* / metabolism

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Cell-Free Nucleic Acids