Usefulness of monitoring beta-glucuronidase in pleural effusions.

Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to evaluate the additional value of beta-glucuronidase (BGD), a lysosomal enzyme in the analysis of transudative and exsudative pleural effusions, especially between malignant and non-malignant effusions. DESIGN AND METHODS: Pleural fluid samples obtained from four respective diagnostic groups: transudates parapneumonic effusions, malignant effusions or pleuritis carcinomatosa, and empyema were evaluated. RESULTS: Beta-glucuronidase was significantly different between transudative 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 regression analysis yielded a weak discrimination between the parapneumonic and malignant groups. CONCLUSIONS: Beta-glucuronidase activity differed between pleural effusions of various origin. However, including BGD in the biochemical work-up of pleural effusions did not reveal discriminatory value in the assessment of the classification of these effusions.