Pleural fluid human epididymis secretory protein 4 in differentiating between malignant and benign pleural effusions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Soluble biomarkers in pleural fluid are a promising diagnostic tool for malignant pleural effusion (MPE) due to their advantages of low cost, short turnaround time, and less invasiveness. Several studies have investigated the value of pleural fluid human epididymis secretory protein 4 (HE4) in detecting MPE, but the results varied. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the value of pleural fluid HE4 in differentiating between MPE and benign pleural effusion (BPE).

Methods

The PubMed and Web of Science databases were used to identify eligible studies regarding the diagnostic value of pleural fluid HE4 for MPE and published before May 1, 2025. We extracted the following information from all eligible studies: first author, country, sample sizes of

SUBMITTER: Yang Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12433092 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature