The goal of this observational study is to evaluate the role of pleural fluid Quantitative C-Reactive Protein (Q-CRP) levels in distinguishing between tuberculous and malignant pleural effusion in adult patients with lymphocytic exudative pleural effusion. The main questions it aims to answer are: Is pleural fluid Q-CRP significantly higher in tuberculous pleural effusion compared to malignant pleural effusion? What is the optimal cutoff value of pleural fluid Q-CRP to differentiate between these conditions? Participants will: Undergo diagnostic procedures such as pleural fluid analysis, including ADA and cytology. Provide pleural fluid samples for Q-CRP measurement. Have additional diagnostic imaging or biopsies if clinically indicated. Researchers will compare Q-CRP levels between the tuberculous pleural effusion group and the malignant pleural effusion group to determine its diagnostic accuracy, including sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value.
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Comparison of Pleural Fluid Quantitative C-Reactive Protein (Q-CRP) Levels Between Tuberculous and Malignant Pleural Effusion
Timeframe: Within 1 year (from November 2022 to October 2023)