Tabari Biomedical Student Research Journal

Abstract

Introduction: Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) is a widespread global ailment. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of procalcitonin (PCT) in discriminating acute pyelonephritis from other lower urinary tract infections.

Methods: This applied research concentrated on patients with acute pyelonephritis who were referred to Hazrat Valiasr Qaemshahr Hospital. A straightforward (random) sampling technique was implemented. Leukocyte count, ESR, serum CRP, and PCT measurements were obtained from all patients.

Results: Procalcitonin demonstrated positive results in 98.5% of pyelonephritis cases and 5% of cystitis cases, signifying a statistically significant differentiation (P=0.001). The diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin was 97.7%, while its sensitivity and specificity were 98.5% and 95%, respectively. A notable correlation between serum PCT and CRP levels was observed in patients with acute pyelonephritis (P=0.038). The serum level of PCT in patients with acute pyelonephritis did not manifest any statistically significant variances based on age, gender, or history of urinary tract infection (P > 0.05).

Discussion and Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study and comparisons with existing research, it can be deduced that procalcitonin functions as a dependable indicator for distinguishing acute pyelonephritis from other urinary tract infections. Consequently, its utilization for this purpose is recommended. Ultimately, conducting further studies with a larger sample size and in a multicenter manner is advised to validate the findings obtained in this study.