Alkaline phosphatase in pleural effusions.
BACKGROUND
Pleural effusion (PF) is a common clinical presentation in several diseases. Various parameters from pleural fluid have been studied to identify the cause. The diagnostic value of these parameters varies. The present study was carried out to evaluate the value of alkaline phosphatase concentration in the pleural effusions as a diagnostic tool.


METHODS
One hundred and one patients with pleural effusion admitted over a period of two years were studied. The diagnosis was confirmed by pleural biopsy and cytology for malignant cells.


RESULTS
Pleural fluid alkaline phosphatase levels of more than 75 mg/dl was found in exudative effusions and less than 75 mg/dl in transudative ones. But it did not differentiate tubercular pleural effusions from other exudative ones.


CONCLUSIONS
Pleural fluid alkaline phosphatase of >75 mg/dl is a useful biochemical marker to suggest exudative effusions.
Lone
Mushtaq A
MA
Department of Medicine, S.K Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Kashmir, India.
Wahid
Abdul
A
Saleem
S M
SM
Koul
Parvaiz
P
Dhobi
Gh Nabi
GN
Shahnawaz
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000032:analysis*; D005122:Exudates and Transudates / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase