Defensins as a diagnostic marker in differential diagnosis of spectific pleural effusions

The study showed a marked elevation of defensins concentration in empyema when compared with other pleural effusions. This high concentration may play an important role in the host defense or have a cytotoxic function in empyema. Defensins may be used as a diagnostic marker in differentiating empyema from other pleural effusions. The study also showed a high level of IL-8 in empyema which may indirectly explain the elevated levels of defensins by increasing the number of neutrophils in the pleural space