The clinical utility of Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) levels for the differentiation of tubercular and non-tubercular pleural effusion

Background: Extra pulmonary TB accounts for 15% of all TB cases. Its incidence is much higher about 50% in HIV positive patients. Tuberculous pleurisy is present in around 4% of all TB cases2. Tuberculosis is always the leading etiology of pleural effusions in the developing countries3. Aims and Objectives: We have lot of investigations to diagnose pulmonary tuberculosis like sputum AFB, CBNAAT, LPA. These tests have some limitations in pleural fluid. So we are in need of a better test for diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion especially in high burden countries like India. Methods: In this study we have evaluated the usefulness of ADA level in pleural fluid for diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion. This study conducted from May 2017 to June 2018. Conclusion: This is a case control study done in a tertiary care center in Varanasi included 100 cases (Tuberculous pleural effusion) and 100 controls (Non Tuberculous pleural effusion).