Detection and Analysis of Commonly Used Infection Indicators in Patients with Acute Urticaria

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> In this study, we investigated the correlation and clinical significance of peripheral blood leukocytes, neutrophils, C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) in patients with acute urticaria. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Complete blood count with differential, CRP, and PCT tests were conducted on patients with acute urticaria. A total of 614 patients with acute urticaria were divided into three groups: the first group consisted of patients with elevated leukocyte and neutrophil count, the second group consisted of patients with normal leukocyte and neutrophil count, and the third group consisted of patients with abnormal leukocyte and neutrophil count. A correlation analysis was conducted to investigate the levels of leukocytes, neutrophils, CRP, and PCT in the three groups. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The results of Kruskal-Wallis’ nonparametric test revealed statistically significant variations in leukocytes, neutrophils, CRP, and PCT among the three groups (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). However, CRP and PCT showed no statistically significant differences between the second and third groups (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001, <i>p</i> = 0.0041, <i>p</i> = 0.0032). Additional multiple comparisons in Spearman correlation analysis indicated statistically significant differences (<i>p</i> = 0.55). Across all groups, there was a statistically significant difference in the correlation between CRP-PCT and leukocytes-neutrophils (<i>p</i> = 0.53). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Leukocytes and neutrophils are sensitive to the impact of medications and stress on the body. Combining CRP and PCT, as well as routine blood test, may be a comprehensive assessment of infection presence and severity in patients, providing guidance for antibiotic treatment.