A Comparison of Various Parameters in Tuberculous and Parapneumonic Pleural Effusion

Abstract

Introduction: In India pleural effusion is a common entity, routinely pleural effusion encountered are tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) and parapneumonic pleural effusion (PPE). Various aetiologies of pleural effusion impart specific characteristics to the pleural fluid that back the clinical diagnosis. Investigations of patients with pleural effusion helps us to reduce morbidity and mortality through timely and accurate management of these patients. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the various attributes of pleural fluid of TPE and PPE and to compare both. Methodology: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on patients of confirmed TPE (n = 65) and PPE (n = 65) to discuss the demographic profile like the distribution of pleural effusion with respect to age, gender, side of lung involvement, comparison of ESR, pleural fluid adenosine deaminase (ADA), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) with their significance. Results: Patients of TPE had lesser mean age compared to patients of PPE. The values of ESR (78.23 v/s 41.37), pleural fluid LDH (617 IU/L v/s 355 IU/L), and ADA were (66 IU/L v/s 20 IU/L) higher in PPE subgroups as compared to TPE study group. Conclusion: The higher values of pleural fluid ADA along with ESR and pleural fluid LDH aids high diagnostic utility in performing these combined investigations to differentiate PPE and TPE.

Keywords

• Adenosine deaminase, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Lactate dehydrogenase, Parapneumonic pleural effusion, Tuberculous pleural effusion