Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: EC:3.5.4.4 (adenosine deaminase)
 5,136 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The concentration of gamma interferon (IFN gamma) and adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity were measured in the pleural fluid of 162 patients to compare their diagnostic significance and to establish a possible correlation between both tests. The IFN gamma levels in tuberculous pleural effusions were quite variable, with a mean of 93 U/ml and a median of 48 U/ml. They were higher than 2 U/ml in all cases, whereas no case of nontuberculous effusion showed higher values. ADA activity was higher than 43 U/l in all tuberculous effusions, with a mean value of 80 U/l, higher than in any other group except lymphoma. In three pleural effusions associated with lymphoma, one with mesothelioma, one with adenocarcinoma and four with empyema, ADA activity was higher than 43 U/l. In these patients, IFN gamma levels were low. There was no correlation in the whole series or in any group between IFN and ADA. Both parameters can be very useful for the diagnosis of tuberculous pleuritis. The measurement of IFN gamma is more specific, although the experience with this test is more limited than with ADA. It has the additional shortcoming of a high cost and it requires facilities for radionuclide use. Therefore, we think that ADA measurement should be considered as a routine test while IFN gamma measurement should be reserved for reference institutions.
 ...
PMID:[Gamma interferon and adenosine deaminase in pleuritis]. 211 Jun 5

Gastrointestinal and peritoneal tuberculosis remain common problems in impoverished areas of the world, but is relatively infrequent in the United States. A resurgence of tuberculosis in America since the mid-1980s means that clinicians will continue to see cases. Immigrants and AIDS patients are two population groups at particular risk for abdominal tuberculosis in this country; the urban poor, the elderly, and Indians on reservations are others. The symptoms and signs of GI and peritoneal tuberculosis are nonspecific, and unless a high index of suspicion is maintained, the diagnosis can be missed or delayed resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. Only 15-20% of patients have concomitant active pulmonary tuberculosis. Tuberculous peritonitis needs to be considered in all cases of unexplained exudative ascites. Laparoscopy with directed biopsy currently is the best way to make a rapid specific diagnosis. The measurement of ascites adenosine deaminase levels represents a major diagnostic advance in tuberculous peritonitis, particularly in underdeveloped areas where the affliction is common and laparoscopy may not be available. With greater experience, this testing procedure could also supersede invasive studies in western countries, particularly in high-risk patient groups. The commonest sites of tuberculous involvement of the GI tract are the ileocecal area, the ileum and the colon, although any area of the gut can be involved. If the area of affected gut is within reach of the flexible endoscope, rapid diagnosis may be possible with biopsy (if acid-fast bacilli or caseating granulomas are seen). Not infrequently, the disease is not considered until it is diagnosed at the time of surgery. In countries with a high prevalence of intestinal tuberculosis, a therapeutic trial of antituberculous drugs may be reasonable if the clinical picture is compatible. The diagnosis of tuberculous enteritis can be taken as highly probable if the patient responds to treatment and this is followed by no recurrence. Serologic tests for diagnosing tuberculosis are being improved and evaluated in intestinal tuberculosis. Gastrointestinal and peritoneal tuberculosis are treated with antituberculous drugs. Surgery is reserved for complications or uncertainty in diagnosis. Six-, 9-, and 18- to 24-month regimens are all effective for extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Standard therapy of at least 9 months duration is also effective in most AIDS patients who are started on appropriate treatment in a timely fashion and who are compliant. The potential for multidrug resistance needs to be kept in mind and accounted for.
 ...
PMID:Tuberculosis of the gastrointestinal tract and peritoneum. 831 33

Throughout the world tuberculosis is associated with poverty, deprivation, and human immunodeficiency virus infection. Abdominal tuberculosis is usually of insidious onset with diverse symptoms and signs. A few present with acute complications of perforation, obstruction, or bleeding. The diagnosis is difficult, especially in areas where the disease is less common, as many patients do not have evidence of pulmonary tuberculosis or a positive skin test. The main differential diagnosis ranges from Crohn's disease in the young and advanced malignancy in the elderly. Delayed diagnosis is common, resulting in high mortality. Many investigations provide findings suggestive but not diagnostic of tuberculosis. With peritoneal tuberculosis, assay of ascitic fluid adenosine deaminase activity is a valuable, simple method of diagnosis that may reduce the need for laparoscopic biopsy. If the clinical suspicion of abdominal tuberculosis is high, a trial of medical treatment is appropriate. Surgery should be reserved for the complications of the disease. All patients require treatment with three antituberculous drugs over a 6-month course.
 ...
PMID:Abdominal tuberculosis. 920 36