Quantitative C-Reactive Protein for Differentiating Tuberculous and Malignant Pleural Effusion: a Cross-Sectional Study

The goal of this observational study is to evaluate the role of pleural fluid Quantitative C-Reactive Protein (Q-CRP) levels in distinguishing between tuberculous and malignant pleural effusion in adult patients with lymphocytic exudative pleural effusion.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

Is pleural fluid Q-CRP significantly higher in tuberculous pleural effusion compared to malignant pleural effusion? What is the optimal cutoff value of pleural fluid Q-CRP to differentiate between these conditions?

Participants will:

Undergo diagnostic procedures such as pleural fluid analysis, including ADA and cytology.

Provide pleural fluid samples for Q-CRP measurement. Have additional diagnostic imaging or biopsies if clinically indicated.

Researchers will compare Q-CRP levels between the tuberculous pleural effusion group and the malignant pleural effusion group to determine its diagnostic accuracy, including sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value.