Use of C- Reactive Protein in Differential Diagnosis of Tuberculosis and Malignant Pleural Fluid

Objective: To investigate the value of C- reactive protein(CRP) in differential diagnosis of tuberculosis and malignant pleural fluid. Methods: To assay the CRP levels of pleural fluid and blood in 116 patients.The data were analyzed by statistical method . Results: The levels of CRP in patients with tuberculous pleural effusions were elevated higher than those who with malignant pleural effusions ,The data are:(28.70)±13.30㎎/L and 10.02±8.21㎎/L,The ratio of CRP concentration in pleural effusion and blood serum also shows significant difference,The data are 1.81±0.70 and 0.82±0.21 respectively. (Conclusion): The chang of CRP in pleural effusions are of clinically diagnostic value in distinguishing tuberculosis from malignant pleural effusions.