EVALUATING THE UTILITY OF PROCALCITONIN AND COAGULATION FUNCTION TESTS IN ASSESSING INFECTIOUS DISEASE SEVERITY IN NEONATES: LESSONS FOR MANAGING INFECTIONS IN ATHLETES PATIENTS

Abstract

Infectious diseases present a considerable challenge in both neonatal and athlete populations, albeit with distinct clinical characteristics. This study seeks to bridge the gap between these two diverse cohorts by evaluating the applicability of procalcitonin (PCT) and coagulation function tests in assessing infectious disease severity in neonates and drawing insights that may be transferable to managing infections in athletes. Neonates, being immunologically vulnerable, are often susceptible to severe infections, whereas athletes, due to intense physical exertion, face an increased risk of infections that can impact their performance and overall health. To optimize healthcare strategies in both populations, it is essential to explore biomarkers that can aid in early diagnosis, disease monitoring, and treatment assessment. This study systematically reviews existing literature on PCT and coagulation function tests in neonates, highlighting their efficacy in differentiating infectious severity and guiding clinical decisions. Furthermore, it explores the relevance of these biomarkers in the context of infectious disease management in athletes, where rapid detection and prompt intervention are pivotal. The findings of this study underscore the potential utility of PCT and coagulation function tests as valuable tools for assessing infectious disease severity in neonates and suggest their adaptation for use in athlete populations. By drawing lessons from neonatal medicine, this research offers insights that may enhance the healthcare strategies for athletes, promoting timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and optimized performance in the face of infectious challenges