Usefulness of monitoring beta-glucuronidase in pleural effusions.
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.


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.
Cobben
N A
NA
Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Drent
M
M
Van Dieijen-Visser
M P
MP
Mulder
P G
PG
Wouters
E F
EF
Henderson
R F
RF
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005966:Glucuronidase / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / Q000032:analysis; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000201:enzymology; D008875:Middle Aged; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000379:methods; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000097:blood / Q000201:enzymology*; D016066:Pleural Effusion, Malignant / Q000097:blood / Q000201:enzymology*; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000201:enzymology; D012016:Reference Values; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D015415:Biomarkers; D001798:Blood Proteins; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; D005966:Glucuronidase