IMPACT OF CEFTRIAXONE SODIUM AND VANCOMYCIN ON INFLAMMATORY MARKERS AND RESPIRATORY FUNCTION IN ATHLETES WITH PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS AND SEVERE PNEUMONIA

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of combined ceftriaxone sodium and vancomycin therapy on serum procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and lung function in athletes with pulmonary tuberculosis complicated by acute severe pneumonia. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 80 athletes admitted to our hospital from November 2017 to January 2023 with pulmonary tuberculosis and acute severe pneumonia. Patients were divided into a control group (n=40), receiving standard treatment, and an observation group (n=40), treated with a combination of ceftriaxone sodium and vancomycin. We compared clinical efficacy, adverse reaction rates, mechanical ventilation duration, time to improvement of pulmonary rales, hospital stay duration, lung function indices (forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1], forced vital capacity [FVC], and FEV1/FVC ratio), inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein [CRP], IL-2, IL-6), and PCT levels before and after treatment. Results: Post-treatment, the observation group showed a significantly higher overall clinical effectiveness and reduced adverse reaction rates compared to the control group (P<0.05). The observation group also demonstrated shorter mechanical ventilation times, quicker resolution of pulmonary rales, and shorter hospital stays (P<0.05). Improvements in lung function indices and reductions in inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-2, IL-6) were more pronounced in the observation group (P<0.05). PCT levels decreased significantly in the observation group post-treatment compared to the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The combination of ceftriaxone sodium and vancomycin significantly enhances clinical outcomes in athletes with pulmonary tuberculosis and acute severe pneumonia. This therapy effectively lowers serum PCT and other inflammatory markers, improves lung function, and accelerates clinical recovery. This treatment protocol is recommended for managing complex cases in athletic populations to promote rapid return to training and competition.