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[Gamma interferon and adenosine deaminase in pleuritis]
E Ribera1, J M Martínez-Vázquez, I Ocaña
1Hospital General Vall d'Hebron, Universidad Autónoma, Barcelona.
Medicina Clinica
|March 17, 1990
Summary
Adenosine deaminase (ADA) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) are useful for diagnosing tuberculous pleuritis. ADA is recommended as a routine test due to its cost-effectiveness and broad applicability, while IFN-γ is reserved for specialized institutions.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Tuberculous pleuritis diagnosis remains a challenge, necessitating reliable biomarkers.
- Pleural fluid analysis offers a direct route for identifying infectious and inflammatory markers.
Purpose:
- To compare the diagnostic utility of pleural fluid adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) concentration.
- To investigate potential correlations between ADA activity and IFN-γ levels in various pleural effusion types.
Summary:
- Both ADA and IFN-γ levels were elevated in tuberculous pleural effusions, with IFN-γ >2 U/ml and ADA >43 U/l observed in all tuberculous cases.
- Elevated ADA was also noted in lymphoma, mesothelioma, adenocarcinoma, and empyema, but IFN-γ levels were low in these non-tuberculous conditions.
- No significant correlation was found between ADA activity and IFN-γ levels across all patient groups.
Impact:
- ADA measurement is a cost-effective and reliable routine diagnostic test for tuberculous pleuritis.
- IFN-γ measurement offers higher specificity but is limited by cost and resource requirements, making it suitable for reference laboratories.