Adenosine Deaminase Peritoneal Fluid

This test is used to analyze the level of adenosine deaminase enzyme present in the peritoneal (Ascitic) fluid of an individual. This test is useful in evaluating, identifying, assessing the presence of bacterial, viral or auto-immune diseases like extrapulmonary tuberculosis (Mycobacterial infections apart from lungs and respiratory system), Ascites, HIV, etc.

What is Adenosine Deaminase?

Adenosine deaminase is an enzyme which plays a role in the conversion of adenosine to inosine during purine metabolism. The enzyme breaks down the adenosine present in food and for the synthesis of nucleic acids within cells. It also plays a role in the development and maintenance of immunity within the body. The enzyme stimulates the release of immune cells in the presence of bacterial, viral or other infective agents. Absence of adenosine deaminase enzyme may prevent the formation of the immune cells (T-Lymphocytes, B-Lymphocytes) which leads to reduced immunity and increased sensitivity to bacterial and viral infections.

What is Peritoneal Fluid?

Peritoneal fluid is a liquid present in the spaces in the abdomen around the internal organs. This fluid is present in small quantities between the layers of the abdominal wall. It is a straw-colored and clear fluid. It is necessary to reduce the friction of organ movement during digestion. The condition of excessive accumulation of this fluid in the peritoneum (the membrane lining the abdomen) may cause peritonitis (swelling of the peritoneum).

Conditions such as autoimmune diseases, bacterial or viral infections, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), ruptured gallbladder, metastatic cancer (cancer that spread from one site to another), and lymphoma (blood cancer that affects white blood cell), congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis or nephrotic syndrome ( a kidney disorder) can lead to the fluid accumulation.

Why is this test recommended?

This test is recommended to when you may experience certain symptoms like swelling and chills, fever, fluid in the abdomen, nausea or vomiting, fever upper abdominal pain or feeling of fullness, difficulty in breathing, chest pain or pressure, weakness, dizziness, etc.

This test can also be recommended by the doctor if you had suffered from diseases which joints, bone and bone marrow like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, bacterial or viral pericarditis, leukemia (cancer which affects blood and bone marrow), autoimmune diseases, or any other similar illnesses in the past.

Higher or lower values of adenosine deaminase in peritoneal fluid test results may indicate that the individual may have disease or condition like osteoarthritis, trauma, kidney or liver diseases, cancers or tumors, muscle disorders, infections like tuberculosis, bacterial or viral pericarditis, rheumatic disease, etc.

Based on the test results, your doctor may advise you appropriate medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, or further diagnostic tests, etc.