Evaluation of the diagnostic value of procalcitonin in acute pyelonephritis indices in patients referred to the hospital

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 ۹۸.۵% of pyelonephritis cases and ۵% of cystitis cases, signifying a statistically significant differentiation (P=۰.۰۰۱). The diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin was ۹۷.۷%, while its sensitivity and specificity were ۹۸.۵% and ۹۵%, respectively. A notable correlation between serum PCT and CRP levels was observed in patients with acute pyelonephritis (P=۰.۰۳۸). 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 > ۰.۰۵). 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.

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Keywords: Acute pyelonephritis , leukocyte count , erythrocyte sedimentation rate , C-reactive protein , procalcitonin.