ABSTRACT
238 pleural effusions found within five years among our patients were investigated according to a prospective fixed scheme, and analysed according to diagnostic groups. In accordance with other authors a predominance of the malignant pleural effusions was evident. Besides the cytohistologic diagnosis proving 84,6% of the pleural effusions of malignant origin, some of the biochemical parameters are of decisive value. In our opinion laboratory examinations should be abandoned which do not contribute effectively to establish the diagnosis. For rationalization a routine programme with five examinations is being proposed: total protein and specific gravity, pH, bacterial examination and cytology.
Subject(s)
Pleural Effusion/diagnosis , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Clinical Laboratory Techniques/standards , Diagnosis, Differential , Empyema/diagnosis , Humans , Liver Cirrhosis/diagnosis , Lung Neoplasms/diagnosis , Middle Aged , Pleural Neoplasms/diagnosisABSTRACT
By a case of bird fancier's lung proved serologically by precipitin tests the importance of a detailed case history is being stressed since there is an increased frequency of exogenous allergic alveolitis. The paper shall contribute to an early diagnosis to avoid irreversible professional and non-professional damages. For all cases of manifest disease constistent avoidance of allergens is demanded.
