Serum trace element levels in tuberculous pleurisy.

In this study, copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese, selenium, and iron were measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometry in patients with tuberculous (TB) pleurisy (n = 24) and in the control group (n = 20). Selenium, magnesium, and zinc were found to be significantly lower in TB pleurisy cases than those in the control group (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in the value of manganese and iron between TB pleurisy and the control group (p > 0.05). Copper levels were significantly increased in the serum of the patients (p < 0.0001). These results may provide an additional disease correlate for assessing TB pleurisy risk.