Using Ascitic Fluid Adenosine Deaminase Assay in the Diagnosis of Tuberculous Ascites

Aims: This study aimed to analyze the diagnostic values of the Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) test for detecting Tuberculosis (TB) ascites in Vietnam. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 43 patients with ascites. ADA, acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear microscopy and culture as well as histological tests were performed. Diagnostic values including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were estimated. Results : The area under the curve (AUC) of ascitic fluid ADA in diagnosis of TB ascites was 0.937 with p <0.001. The optimal cut-off value was 30.2 U/L with high sensitivity (100%) and specificity (88.5%), 85% PPV and 100% NPV. Conclusions : Ascitic fluid ADA assay is a useful diagnostic tool to detect TB ascites.