Volume : IX, Issue : II, February - 2019

Role of Pleural Fluid C - reactive protein in Pleural Effusions

Dr. Pankaj K. Magar, Dr. Himanshu Pophale

Abstract :

Pleural effusion is accumulation of fluid in the pleural space. It needs to be differentiated into transudate or exudate. The measurement of the C–reactive protein (CRP) may be useful in differentiating between transudative and exudative pleural effusions. Aim: To study the Role of pleural fluid C–reactive protein in exudative versus transudative pleural effusions and to study whether it helps in etiological diagnosis. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients with pleural effusion were enrolled. After signing the consent, detailed history and examination were done. Subjects were investigated according to the pre–designed proforma. CRP was analyzed by automated multichannel analyzer (Vitrios–350) in aspirated pleural fluid. Results: In our study average pleural fluid CRP (mg/L) in transudates was 10 (mg/L). Average pleural fluid CRP of exudative group was 42 (mg/L). Tuberculosis patients had mean CRP of 51 (±23.4), parapneumonic effusions had mean CRP value of 29 (±12.9) while malignant effusions had CRP levels of 26 (±7.9). There was statistically significant difference for mean values of CRP between transudative and exudative pleural fluid effusions (p<0.0001).Conclusion: C–reactive protein determination is simple, quick, inexpensive & easily available. Pleural fluid CRP level determination is highly significant test to distinguish between transudative and exudative pleural effusions (P=0.0001). CRP is also useful in establishing etiological diagnosis of pleural effusions. Higher CRP levels (>50mg/L)) are highly suggestive of tuberculosis while low CRP levels make this diagnosis unlikely. Pleural fluid CRP values were significantly higher in tuberculous than in parapneumonic, than that in malignancy and least in transudative effusion.

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Article: Download PDF   DOI : 10.36106/ijar  

Cite This Article:

ROLE OF PLEURAL FLUID C - REACTIVE PROTEIN IN PLEURAL EFFUSIONS, Dr. Pankaj K. Magar, Dr. Himanshu Pophale INDIAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH : Volume-9 | Issue-2 | February-2019

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