Clinical Profile of Adenosine Deaminase and Age and Sex Related Variations in Pleural Effusion – A Study of 100 Cases

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Pleural effusion is a common clinical condition with varied etiologies. Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) has been recognized as a useful diagnostic biomarker, especially in differentiating tuberculous pleural effusion from other causes. However, the influence of patient age and sex on ADA levels remains an area of ongoing investigation. Objective: To study the profile of ADA levels in pleural effusion and assess the impact of age and female sex on ADA levels. Methods & Materials: This prospective observational study was conducted on 100 consecutive patients diagnosed with pleural effusion. ADA levels were estimated in pleural fluid. Patients were stratified according to age (<40 years vs. ≥40 years) and sex (male vs. female) for subgroup analysis. Clinical correlation with diagnosis was performed. Results: Mean ADA level was significantly higher in tuberculous pleural effusion (72.3 ± 15.2 U/L) compared to malignant (34.5 ± 10.6 U/L), parapneumonic (42.8 ± 11.5 U/L), and transudative effusions (18.6 ± 5.3 U/L) (p < 0.001). Younger patients (<40 years) had significantly higher ADA values (65.2 ± 20.4 U/L) compared to older patients (≥40 years, 49.8 ± 18.7 U/L; p = 0.01). Females demonstrated slightly higher ADA levels than males (58.9 ± 19.6 U/L vs. 53.4 ± 18.2 U/L; p = 0.04). Conclusion: ADA remains a reliable marker for tuberculous pleural effusion. Younger age and female sex were associated with relatively higher ADA levels, suggesting the need for cautious interpretation in these groups.