Differential diagnostic value of telomerase activity in malignant and benign pleural effusions
10.3969/j.issn.1000-1492.2001.01.016
- VernacularTitle:胸水细胞端粒酶活性检测对良恶性胸腔积液的鉴别诊断价值
- Author:
Xiaoling XU
;
Haiming DAI
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui
2001;(1):49-51
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To study the diagnostic value of pleural fluid telomerase activity in distinguishing a malignant from a benign pleural effusion. Methods Using a PCR-based assay, telomerase activity was examined in the pleural fluid cells obstained from 69 patients with pleural effusions (37 malignant, 32 benign). Results were compared with cytologic evaluation and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Results Of the 37 malignant specimens，26（70.27%）contained detectable telomerase activity. The positive rate in malignant pleural effusions was significantly higher than that in benign origin (2/32). Detection of telomerase in effusions was more sensitive than CEA level evaluation for the identification of pleural malignancy (telomerase assay: sensitivity=70.27%, specificity=93.75%; CEA: sensitivity=51.35%, specificity=96.87%). The consistant rate of telomerase with cytology was 54.05%. Conclusion The detection of telomerase activity may be a useful adjunct to cytopathologic methods in the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusions. It may be useful in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant pleural effusions.
