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The reasons for the increase and decrease in the rate of erythrocyte sedimentation (ESR)

 
, medical expert
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.

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