Evaluation of Pleural Fluid Lactate for Diagnosis and Management of Parapneumonic Pleural Effusion.

Background: The aim was to measure the accuracy of pleural fluid lactate concentration for diagnosis of parapneumonic pleural effusion (PPE) and to discriminate between uncomplicated (UPPE) and complicated PPE (CPPE).

Methods: Pleural fluid lactate was measured in patients with pleural effusion. Patients were classified into two groups according to the etiology of pleural effusion: PPE and NOT PPE.