Diagnostic role of different biochemical parameters in pleural effusion

A pleural effusion, an excessive accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, indicates an imbalance between pleural fluid formation and removal. For diagnosing and treatment plan, pleural effusions have to be classified into transudate and exudate. The aim of present study was to analyze various biochemical parameters (LDH, pH, Glucose, Triglycerides, Cholesterol, Creatinine, Amylase and ADA) in pleural fluid and to correlate these Biochemical parameters with diagnosis of the patients. The study was a hospital based descriptive study. The study was conducted over a period of one year on 100 samples. Total 100 samples were enrolled in the study. Both serum and pleural fluid samples were collected and quantitatively analyzed using semi-automated analyzer. The results of the present study shows thatThe Mean±SD of concentration of glucose in pleural fluid was 65.69±14.13 mg/dl, total protein 3.53±1.53g/dl, albumin 1.64±0.85g/dl, cholesterol 58.9±13.05mg/dl, triglycerides 68.7±10.47mg/dl, creatinine 1.73±0.96mg/dl, amylase 49.56±17.78IU/L, LDH 299.82±65.46 U/L and ADA was 49.56±17.78U/L.It was concluded that Biochemical parameters play important role in diagnosing Pleural effusions. These markers when used collectively their diagnostic efficacy is greatly increased. The SEAG is superior to Light's criteria in identifying the transudative effusions. It is also observed that Light's criteria identified exudative effusions better than SEAG.