TY - JOUR T1 - Role of gene Xpert in diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion: Comparison with pleural biopsy JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J VL - 44 IS - Suppl 58 SP - P2655 AU - Nasir Javed AU - Muhammad Aslam AU - Muhammad Azam Mushtaq AU - Tahir Khan AU - Muhammad Zubair Shaheen Y1 - 2014/09/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/Suppl_58/P2655.abstract N2 - Introduction:Pakistan is an endemic country for Tuberculosis. Gene Xpert is a recent acquired test for the rapid diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. However, its role in the diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion has not been studied. Our aim was to find out whether Gene Xpert could be used for the rapid diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion and its comparison with Abram's needle pleural biopsy.Objective:To determine the role of Gene Xpert in diagnosis of Tuberculous Pleural effusion and its comparison with Abram's Needle pleural biopsy.Material and Methods:This cross sectional study comprising 25 patients of lymphocytic exudative pleural effusion having strong susceptibility of tuberculosis on clinical grounds, was conducted in the department of Pulmonology, Nishtar Medical Institution Multan. They underwent closed pleural biopsy with Abram's needle in standard way. Specimens were examined histopathologically, and their pleural fluid was also sent for Gene Xpert. Analysis of both reports was carried out for comparison.Results: Among 25 patients Gene Xpert was only positive in 2(8%) and Pleural Biopsy showed definitive caseating granuloma in 14(56%), Malignancy in 6(24%), Acute Inflammation in 1(4%), Pleuritis in 1(4%) and inconclusive report in 3(12%) patients.Conclusion:Pleural Biopsy is a diagnostic tool in diagnosing tuberculosis. Gene Expert has a limited role in diagnosing tuberculous pleural effusion.Key Words:Pleural Biopsy, Abram needle, Gene Xpert, Lymphocytic Exudative Pleural Effusion. ER -