Derrame pleural: marcadores bioquímicos en el enfoque diagnóstico

RESUMEN

Se describieron las principales características del líquido pleural normal y los diferentes mecanismos que conducen a la formación de un derrame pleural. Se presentó una estrategia diagnóstica a partir de la diferenciación de trasudados y exudados. Se definieron sus criterios diagnósticos. Se revisaron los marcadores bioquímicos de uso más frecuente en la práctica médica y se especificó la utilidad de cada uno para el diagnóstico de las diferentes entidades que causan derrame pleural. Se aclararon las limitaciones de estos marcadores y la importancia de su uso racional a partir de los datos clínicos de cada caso.

ABSTRACT

The main characteristics of the normal pleural fluid, as well as the different mechanisms leading to the formation of a pleural effusion were described. A diagnostic strategy was presented starting from the separation of transudates and exudates. Their diagnostic criteria were also defined. Those biochemical markers that are most commonly used in the medical practice were reviewed, and the utility of each of them for the diagnosis of different diseases causing pleural effusion was specified. The limitations of these markers and the importance of their rational use according to the clinical data of every case were explained.