Elevated ESR
April 24th, 2019
Overview
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a measure of the number of red bloods cells that precipitate in a tube over an hour.
Normal Range
- <12 mm/hr
ESR is a surrogate for the fibrinogen, as erythrocyte sedimentation occurs in the context of hyperfibrinogenaemia.
The ESR is influenced by inflammation, serum protein concentration and red blood cell interactions with proteins.
Causes of Elevated ESR
- Sepsis
- Inflammation
- Malignancy
- Pregnancy
- Advanced age
- Macrocytosis
- Anaemia
- Multiple myeloma
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