Comparison Level of Interferon γ in Tuberculosis and Non Tuberculosis Pleural Effusion

In our country the most common cause of exudative pleural effusion is tuberculosis pleural effusion. Diagnosis of tuberculosis pleurisy is difficult because of its nonspecific clinical presentation and insufficient efficiency of traditional diagnostic methods. The aim of this study was to investigate the level of interferon γ (INFγ) in tuberculosis and non tuberculosis pleural effusion. The subjects of this case-control study were consisted of 20 patients with TB pleural effusion and 32 non-TB pleural effusion; the diagnosis of tuberculosis pleurisy can be established by culture of the pleural fluid, needle biopsy of the pleura or thoracoscopy. Demographic characteristics and pleural fluid chemistry and the level of interferon γ were compared in two groups. Demographic characteristics, including age, sex, job and nationality were almost the same in both groups. Dyspnea was the most common symptom in both groups. Most of our patients were non smoker and PPD negative. Pleural effusion was yellow in both groups and cholesterol and triglyceride level were not significantly different, low glucose and high protein levels were found in tuberculosis plural fluid. There wasn’t any significant difference in lymphocyte and neutrophil count between two groups. INFγ was 9994.7 mg in TB pleural effusion and 8.42.3 mg in non– TB pleural effusion that was significantly higher in TB pleural effusion (p=0.001) The results showed that INF γ level in TB pleural effusion is more than non TB. But now it is not cost- effective so we can’t suggest it as a routine diagnostic method in pleural effusion assessment but will be useful only in doubtful cases.