Abstract
Lactic dehydrogenase activity in effusions from patients with metastatic cancer was higher than in the serum of these patients. The high value for the lactic dehydrogenase activity was demonstrated only in effusions containing malignant cells or in direct contact with them. A pattern similar to that in cancer patients was found in cases of pulmonary embolism and inflammatory pulmonary disease. These considerations limit the diagnostic value of lactic dehydrogenase determinations in pleural or peritoneal effusions.

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