ABSTRACT
Background: Adenosine deaminase has been proposed to be a useful surrogate marker for tuberculosis in pleural, pericardial and peritoneal fluids. Studies have confirmed high sensitivity and specificity of Adenosine deaminase for early diagnosis of extra pulmonary tuberculosis. Aim: To assess the diagnostic level of ADA in tubercular serosal effusion and to determine its sensitivity and specificity. Methods: The study was carried out on 120 patients suffering from serosal effusion (50 pleural, 50 peritoneal, and 20 cases of pericardial effusion) . Detailed clinical history, physical examination and routine and relevant investigation of all patients including ADA estimation by GALANTI AND GIUSTI method was done. Results: ADA Level in tuberculous pleural effusion ranged from 45-160 U/L with a mean level of 100U/L and sensitivity and specificity of 100% (p<0.001, highly significant). ADA level in tuberculous peritoneal effusion ranged from 35-135 U/L with a mean level of 92U/L and sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 95% respectively (p<0.001, highly significant). ADA level in tubercular pericardial effusion ranged from 63-117 U/L with a mean level of 90U/L and sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 83.3% respectively (p<0.005, very significant).In toto serosal fluid ADA level estimation offers high degree of sensitivity and specificity of about 100% and 94.6% respectively, Conclusion: ADA was found positive with a mean value of 100U/L, 92U/L and 90 U/L in tubercular pleural, peritoneal and pericardial effusion respectively with overall 100% sensitivity and 94.6% specificity and cutoff value of 40 U/L.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Rheumatic manifestations are a common feature of leprosy. The present study was performed to assess the incidence of rheumatic manifestations in leprosy. METHODS: Seventy cases of leprosy attending the indoor and outdoor departments were studied. RESULTS: Out of the 70 cases studied, rheumatic manifestations were seen in 61.42% of cases: arthritis in 54.28% and soft tissue rheumatism in 17.14%. Enthesitis was seen in 2.84% of cases. The incidence of arthritis in lepra reactions was 57.57%. CONCLUSIONS: Musculoskeletal manifestations can occur at any time during the infection. Articular inflammation in leprosy usually occurs in reactive states, particularly erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL). Leprosy can present with arthritis as the first symptom.