Contemporary biochemical analysis of normal pericardial fluid

What is it about?

Biochemical analysis of pericardial fluid (PF) is commonly performed for the initial assessment of PF and results are usually interpreted according to Light’s traditional criteria for the differential diagnosis of transudates vs. exudates. However, Light’s criteria have been formulated for the biochemical and hematologic analysis of pleural fluid. Aim of the present paper is to evaluate the normal composition of PF in candidates for cardiac surgery and Light’s criteria for PF analysis.
We performed a cohort study with analysis of PF from candidates for cardiac surgery. Exclusion criteria were: previous pericardial disease or cardiac surgery, prior myocardial infarction within 3 months, systemic disease (e.g. systemic inflammatory diseases, uremia) or drug with potentiality to affect the pericardium. Fifty patients (mean age was 67 years; 95% CI 64-71, 29 males, 58.0%) were included in the present analysis.
Traditional Light’s criteria misclassified most PFs. This study suggests their futility for the biochemical analysis of PF in clinical practice.

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