The reasons for the increase and decrease in the rate of erythrocyte sedimentation (ESR)
Last reviewed: 19.10.2021
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Along with leukocytosis and corresponding changes in the leukocyte formula, an increase in ESR is a reliable sign of the presence of infectious and inflammatory processes in the body. In the acute period with the progression of the infectious process, an increase in ESR occurs, during the recovery period, ESR decreases, but somewhat slower in comparison with the rate of decrease in the leukocyte reaction. In autoimmune diseases, the measurement of ESR makes it possible to determine the stage of the disease (exacerbation or remission), to evaluate its activity and the effectiveness of treatment. Normal ESR excludes the presence of an inflammatory process.
Diseases and conditions accompanied by changes in ESR
|
Increased ESR |
Decreased ESR |
|
Pregnancy, postpartum period, menstruation Inflammatory diseases of various etiologies Paraproteinemia Tumor diseases (carcinoma, sarcoma, acute leukemia, lymphogranulomatosis, lymphoma) Diseases of connective tissue Glomerulonephritis, renal amyloidosis, with nephrotic syndrome, uremia Severe infections Immunodeficiencies Hypoproteinemia Anemia Hyper and hypothyroidism Internal bleeding Hyperfibrinogenemia Hypercholesterolemia Hemorrhagic vasculitis Rheumatoid arthritis Side effects of lekartsv (morphine, dextran, methyldopa, vitamin A) |
Erythremia and reactive erythrocytosis Severe phenomena of circulatory failure Epilepsy Sickle-cell anemia Hemoglobinopathy C Hyperproteinemia Hypofibrinogenemia Viral hepatitis and mechanical jaundice (presumably due to the accumulation of bile acids in the blood) The intake of calcium chloride, salicylates, etc. |
However, the increase in ESR is not a specific indicator for any particular disease. Nevertheless, often in the pathology of its changes have a diagnostic and prognostic value and can serve as an indicator of the effectiveness of the therapy. The definition of ESR should not be used as a screening method in asymptomatic patients.