The kinetics of leptin in Meigs' syndrome

Objective. The aim of this study was to assess the kinetics and possible role of leptin in the pathophysiology of Meigs' syndrome. Methods. We report on a 62-year-old patient admitted for a large ovarian tumor, hydrothorax, and ascites. The patient underwent abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral adnexectomy revealing a benign ovarian fibroma and no evidence of malignant cells in the pleural or peritoneal fluids. Analysis of serum, peritoneal, and pleural fluids from this patient was performed before, during, and after the operation. Results. Preoperatively, the patient had low levels of leptin in the serum, peritoneal, and pleural fluids. Serum levels increased after removal of the ovarian tumor along with the resolution of ascites and hydrothorax. Conclusion. Leptin levels inversely correlate to tumor burden, third space fluid accumulation, and clinical status in Meigs' syndrome. These findings suggest the involvement of leptin in the pathophysiology of this syndrome. (C) 2001 Academic Press.