Decreased glucose in RA-cell-positive pleural effusion: correlation of pleural glucose, lactic dehydrogenase and protein concentration to the presence of RA-cells.

A significant correlation between RA-cells in the pleural fluid and lowered concentration of glucose, increased LDH activity and protein content was demonstrated in pleural effusions of diverse etiology. The finding might suggest a common metabolic reaction of the pleura, the mechanism of which remains unexplained at present.