Pleural Fluid Analysis in Malignant Mesothelioma* Prognostic Implications Andrew Gottehrer; M.D.; David A. Taryle, M.D., F.C.C.E; Carolyn E. Reed, M.D., F.C.C.R; and Steven A. Sahn, M.D., F.C.C.R Pleural 8uid characteristics of 26 patients diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma over an IS-year period were reviewed and compared with those ofpatients with effusions due to other malignancies. Survival from time of initial thoracentesis was directly correlated with pleural pB and decreased pleural 8uidlserum glucose ratios but was not related to protein or LOB concentration. Decreased pleural ftuid pH was statistically related to a decreased pleural 8uidlserum glucose ratio. Patients with low pH {