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Usefulness of monitoring beta-glucuronidase in pleural effusions
N A Cobben1, M Drent, M P Van Dieijen-Visser
1Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Background:
The objective of the study was to evaluate the additional value of beta-glucuronidase (BGD), a lysosomal enzyme in the analysis of transudative and exsudative pleural effusions, especially between malignant and non-malignant effusions.
Design And Methods:
Pleural fluid samples obtained from four respective diagnostic groups: transudates parapneumonic effusions, malignant effusions or pleuritis carcinomatosa, and empyema were evaluated.
Results:
Beta-glucuronidase was significantly different between transudative and exsudative effusions (p<0.001) as well as between parapneumonic and malignant effusions (p<0.03), parapneumonic effusions and empyema (p<0.002), and malignant and empyema (p<0.002), respectively. Logistic regression analysis yielded a weak discrimination between the parapneumonic and malignant groups.
Conclusions:
Beta-glucuronidase activity differed between pleural effusions of various origin. However, including BGD in the biochemical work-up of pleural effusions did not reveal discriminatory value in the assessment of the classification of these effusions.