Volume : 6, Issue : 5, May - 2017

Role of Adenosine deaminase in evaluating tubercular and non-tubercular pleural effusions

Dr Rajat Arora, Dr Swati Duggal, Dr Mj Stanley Ambroise

Abstract :

<p>&nbsp;Introduction: Tuberculosis is commonest disease affecting all age-groups and socioeconomic classes, and 7th leading cause of death. Inspite of extensive efforts, definite diagnosis of TB remains challenging. However, rapid, non-invasive and cost-effective method of Adenosine Deaminase(ADA) estimation in clinical samples seems to be promising for its early detection. Aims and Objectives: Comparison of mean serum and pleural fluid ADA levels in tuberculous and non-tuberculous pleural effusion. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted in Puducherry in which 80 patients were enrolled for 15-months, 40 each of tuberculous and non-tuberculous pleural effusion. Results: In serum, at &gt; 17.9 U/L ,sensitivity and specificity were 93.3 and 51.0% respectively. Positive(PPV) and negative predictive values(NPV) were 62.5% and 88% respectively. In pleural fluid, at &gt; 40 U/ Lit, sensitivity and specificity was 80.55% and 62.32% with 52.73% PPV 80%NPV. Conclusion: Serum and pleural fluid ADA was significantly higher in tuberculous pleural effusion patients.</p>