In the present study, Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Gamma interferon (TIEN) and adenosine deaminase (ADA) were studied in exudative pleural effusion from tuberculous, malignant and postpneumonic origin and transudative pleural effusion of systemic origin to determine their diagnostic value and whether either or all of them could be helpful in differential diagnosis of origin of pleural effusion. The three markers were detectable in all effu-
sions with a significant high levels in exudative as compared to transudative effusions (p value < 0.001). Also no significant difference in their levels has been noticed in tuberculous effusion as compared with postpneumonic effusions. It is concluded that IL-6, yIFN and ADA levels in pleural effusion are sensitive parameters to differentiate exudate from transudate pleural effusion while TIEN and ADA can only differentiate exudative pleural effusion of different etiology. |
