Could IFN-gamma predict the development of residual pleural thickening in tuberculous pleurisy?

BACKGROUND

The aim of our study was to identify predictive factors for the development of residual pleural thickening (RPT) in patients with tuberculous pleurisy (TP).

METHODS

A retrospective study of patients with pleural tuberculosis. The clinical and radiological characteristics, and measurements of microbiological and biochemical parameters or markers such as adenosine deaminase (ADA), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in pleural fluid were studied.

RESULTS

Thirty one patients (24 male and 7 female) with a mean age of 55.9 years were studied. There were 25 (80.6%) patients with RPT > 2 mm and 6 (19.4%) patients without RPT. Ten patients (32.2%) had RPT > or = 10 mm. The rate of pleural thickening was less in small effusions (p<0.05). IFN-gamma was higher in patients with RPT > or = 10 mm (p < 0.05) in comparison with those with RPT < 10 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

Pleural fluid IFN-gamma may deserve further investigation in order to build up preventive and therapeutic strategies against RPT and its clinical complications.