UTILITY OF PCT, IL-6, AND CRP IN DIAGNOSING BACTERIAL INFECTIONS RELATED TO URINARY CALCULI IN ATHLETES

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of combining peripheral venous blood leukocyte count, leukocyte VCS parameters, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and procalcitonin (PCT) in detecting bacterial infections in athletes, particularly focusing on the relevance of VCS parameters when standard markers are within normal ranges. Methods: The study cohort consisted of 60 athletes with bacterial infections, 63 with autoimmune diseases, and 62 healthy controls from a physical examination center. All participants underwent blood draws for the analysis of VCS count, VCS parameters, CRP, IL-6, and PCT. Data were analyzed using SPSS 17.0, with means ± standard deviations or medians and interquartile ranges as appropriate, and differences were assessed via analysis of variance. Results: Among athletes with bacterial infections, VCS counts and neutrophil percentages were significantly higher, while lymphocyte percentages were lower compared to other groups. Monocyte levels did not differ significantly. CRP and IL-6 levels were elevated in athletes with autoimmune conditions but were highest in those with bacterial infections. The combination of traditional blood markers with CRP and IL-6 improved diagnostic accuracy for bacterial infections, reducing the rate of missed diagnoses. Conclusion: Incorporating a multifaceted biomarker approach significantly enhances the diagnostic precision for bacterial infections in athletes, an essential consideration given their specific physiological stresses and the potential impact on training and performance. VCS parameters, alongside CRP and IL-6, provide valuable diagnostic insights, especially when standard inflammatory markers are within normal ranges. This comprehensive approach supports timely and accurate medical interventions, crucial for maintaining athlete health and ensuring quick return to training regimes.