What is the significance of an elevated Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) of 33 mm/hr, indicating elevated erythrocyte sedimentation?

From the Guidelines

An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of 33 mm/hr is considered elevated, indicating the presence of inflammation in the body, as the normal range is typically 0-15 mm/hr for men and 0-20 mm/hr for women 1. This elevated ESR suggests increased inflammation, which could be associated with various conditions such as infections, autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, certain cancers, or chronic inflammatory diseases. The ESR test measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube, with faster settling (higher numbers) suggesting increased inflammation. According to the study, an ESR elevated above the normal range has a sensitivity of 82.6% and specificity of 33.8% for diagnosing giant cell arteritis, although the study does not specifically address an ESR of 33 mm/hr 1. However, an elevated ESR alone is not diagnostic of any specific condition and should be interpreted alongside other clinical findings and laboratory tests. It's essential to consider that some factors can naturally increase ESR, including pregnancy, older age, female gender, anemia, and certain medications. If you have an ESR of 33 mm/hr, you should discuss this result with your healthcare provider, who will consider your complete medical history, symptoms, and possibly order additional tests to determine the underlying cause of the inflammation. Some key points to consider when evaluating an elevated ESR include:

• The degree of elevation, with higher values suggesting more severe inflammation
• The presence of other symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, or joint pain
• The results of other laboratory tests, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) or complete blood count (CBC)
• The patient's medical history, including any previous diagnoses or treatments.

From the Research

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) Meaning

• ESR is a blood test that measures how quickly erythrocytes (red blood cells) settle at the bottom of a test tube containing a blood sample 2.
• It indirectly measures how much inflammation is in the body 3.

High ESR Value (33 mm/hr)

• A high ESR value, such as 33 mm/hr, indicates inflammation in the body [(2,4)].
• However, ESR is not specific to any particular disease or condition, and can be elevated in various situations, including infections, malignancies, and rheumatic diseases [(2,4)].

Possible Causes of High ESR

• Infections [(2,4)]
• Malignancies [(2,4)]
• Rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, and systemic lupus erythematosus [(2,4,5)]
• Other conditions, such as renal disease, female sex, and older age 3

Relationship between ESR and C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

• CRP is a better indicator of inflammation than ESR 3.
• ESR and CRP have a modest positive correlation with each other 5.
• Combined use of ESR and CRP can yield higher diagnostic accuracy 6.