ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the tests for anti-TB and adenosine deaminase (ADA) in ascites in an attempt to distinguish between tuberculous ascites and carcinous ascites. METHODS: DIGFA was used to test anti-TB and Martineck's method was used to determine the level of ADA in 35 cases of tuberculous ascites and 31 cases of carcinous ascites. RESULTS: The levels of anti-TB and ADA in ascites were significantly higher in tuberculous ascites than those in carcinous ascites (P < 0.01). When the level of ADA was higher than 45 U/L, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy in the diagnosis of tuberculous ascites were 100%, 97.1% and 98.5%, respectively. When the result of anti-TB test was positive, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy in the diagnosis of tuberculous ascites were 93.5%, 94.3% and 95.38%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The tests for anti-TB and ADA in ascites are of important clinical value to differential diagnosis in an attempt to distinguish between tuberculous ascites and carcinous ascites.
