Abstract :
Context: Pleural effusion is an excessive accumulation of fluid in the pleural space lying between the lung
and chest wall. In normal condition, pleural space contains 0.1 to 0.3 ml/kg body weight of fluid (nearly
about 10ml.of fluid on each side) between parietal and visceral pleura.
Aims: To assess the usefulness of uric acid levels in both serum and pleural fluid in differentiation between
transudates and exudates in pleural effusion.
Settings and Design: Hospital based cross sectional study.
Materials and Methods: A total of 250 patients with pleural effusion were selected for the study. Uric acid
level, total protein, albumin and LDH levels of Serum and pleural fluid were measured from the participants.
Statistical analysis used: Data analysis was done by using SPSS ver.23 and presented in proportions and
student unpaired‘t’ test was used to compare means.
Results: The mean uric acid level in serum and pleural fluid was 7.6260.06 mg /dL and 10.270.07 mg
/dL respectively in transudates, whereas in exudates it was 4.890.04 mg /dL and 2.490.06 mg /dL and
the differences were found to be statistically significant.
Conclusion: Measurement of uric acid in association with Total proteins, LDH, Albumin will aid in
differentiating the transudates and exudates in pleural effusion.
Key Message: Uric acid levels can be a better biomarker and cost-effective method to differentiate
transudate and exudative pleural effusion easily, to diagnose and for better management of the patient.
Keyword :
Albumin, Exudate, LDH, Pleural effusion, Transudate, Uric acid.