Diagnosis value of IGF-1 and CEA in benign and malignant pleural effusion

Objective To investigate the diagnosis value of insulin like growth factor 1(IGF 1) in benign and malignant pleural effusion compared with carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA).Methods IGF 1 and CEA were analyzed by ELISA in 33 cases with benign pleural effusion and 32 cases with malignant pleural effusion.Results The concentration of IGF 1 were significantly higher in malignant pleural effusion(110.20±20.59nmol/L) than that in benign group(76.70±18.95nmol/L),P0.001.IGF 1 was slightly less valuable than CEA in diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion.Conclusion In pleural effusions IGF 1 may be an important indicator to help to differentiate between benign pleural effusions and malignant pleural effusions.