Usefulness of monitoring beta-glucuronidase in pleural effusions

Background: The objective of the study was to evaluate the additional value of beta-glucuronidase (BGD), a lysosomal enzyme in the analysis of transud ative and exsudative pleural effusions, especially between malignant and no n-malignant effusions. Design and methods: Pleural fluid samples obtained from four respective dia gnostic groups: transudates parapneumonic effusions, malignant effusions or pleuritis carcinomatosa, and empyema were evaluated. Results: Beta-glucuronidase was significantly different between transudativ e and exsudative effusions (p < 0.001) as well as between parapneumonic and malignant effusions (p < 0.03), parapneumonic effusions and empyema (p < 0 .002), and malignant and empyema (p < 0.002), respectively. Logistic regres sion analysis yielded a weak discrimination between the parapneumonic and m alignant groups. Conclusions: Beta-glucuronidase activity differed between pleural effusions of various origin. However, including BGD in the biochemical work-up of pl eural effusions did not reveal discriminatory value in the assessment of th e classification of these effusions. Copyright (C) 1999 The Canadian Societ y of Clinical Chemists.