LEUKOCYTE PROFILING IN MALIGNANT PLEURAL EFFUSIONS: A CYTOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE ON DIAGNOSTIC ADVANCES

Malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) are a severe clinical complication affecting approximately one million individuals annually. Characterized by fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, MPEs significantly impair quality of life and are associated with a poor prognosis. This study explores the cytological profiles of pleural fluid in patients with MPEs and benign pleural diseases. Using a case-control approach involving 151 Bulgarian patients, we analyzed leukocyte populations in several pleural fluid samples. The Mann-Whitney U test identified significant differences in total leukocyte counts (TLC) and monocyte counts between groups, while Spearman's analysis highlighted correlations between hematological and biochemical parameters. Findings underscore the diagnostic utility of leukocyte subpopulation profiling. These markers offer promise in improving diagnostic accuracy and tailoring patient management strategies in MPEs.