From the Guidelines
A sed rate of 2 mm/hr is considered normal and does not require any specific treatment or intervention. According to the 2010 ACR/EULAR Classification Criteria for Rheumatoid Arthritis, a normal ESR is defined as 0 mm/hr, but in clinical practice, values up to 15 mm/hr for men and 20 mm/hr for women are generally considered within the normal range 1. This test measures the rate at which red blood cells settle in a tube of blood, which indirectly reflects inflammation levels in the body. A low or normal value like 2 indicates minimal inflammation is present.
Some key points to consider when interpreting a sed rate of 2 include:
- The ESR is a non-specific marker of inflammation, and a normal result does not rule out the presence of disease or inflammation in the body 1.
- The test should be interpreted alongside other clinical findings and laboratory tests to get a comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition.
- If symptoms persist despite a normal sed rate, further evaluation by a healthcare provider is necessary to determine the underlying cause.
- The 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria provide a framework for classifying rheumatoid arthritis, but a normal ESR value like 2 would not contribute to a diagnosis of RA based on these criteria 1.
In terms of clinical implications, a normal sed rate of 2 mm/hr suggests that there is no significant inflammation present, and other causes of symptoms should be investigated. However, it is essential to consider the patient's overall clinical picture and not rely solely on the ESR value for diagnosis or treatment decisions 1.
From the Research
Sed Rate
- A sed rate of 2 is considered low, as the normal range for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is typically between 0-20 mm/h for adults 2.
- Low ESR values can be associated with various conditions, including the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or statins, as these medications can reduce inflammation in the body 2, 3.
- In patients with giant cell arteritis, statin or NSAID use has been shown to be associated with lower ESR values, which may affect the sensitivity and specificity of ESR as a diagnostic test 2.
- ESR is also used as a marker of systemic inflammation, and high values have been linked to an increased risk of developing heart failure 4.
- In contrast, low ESR values are not typically associated with an increased risk of heart failure, and may even be indicative of a reduced inflammatory state 4.
Factors Influencing Sed Rate
- Medications such as NSAIDs and statins can influence ESR values, with users tend to have lower ESR values compared to non-users 2, 3.
- Other factors, such as age, sex, and underlying medical conditions, can also affect ESR values, but the relationship between these factors and sed rate is complex and not fully understood 4, 5.
- The use of supplements, such as Pycnogenol, may also have an impact on ESR values, with some studies suggesting a decrease in ESR values after supplementation 5.
Clinical Significance
- A sed rate of 2 may not be clinically significant in isolation, but should be considered in the context of the patient's overall medical history and other laboratory results 2, 4.
- Low ESR values may be indicative of a reduced inflammatory state, but may also be associated with certain medications or underlying medical conditions 2, 3.
- Further evaluation and testing may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of a low sed rate and to guide clinical decision-making 4, 5.