Marked elevation of erythrocyte sedimentation rate in rheumatic disease
Adelizzi, R.A.; Zarro, V.J.
Journal of the American Osteopathic Association 79(9): 580-585
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0098-6151 PMID: 6966624 Document Number: 156706
A prospective study was performed to determine the clinical significance of a markedly elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESA] on an inpatient rheumatology service. Of approximately 175 inpatients, 34 had a markedly elevated ESR (.gtoreq. 80 mm/h). Markedly elevated values of the ESR were non-specific diagnostically, since they were present with several rheumatic conditions. Of the 34 cases, 6 had active rheumatoid arthritis, 4 active systemic lupus erythematosus and 1 polymyalgia rheumatica. Eleven had other rheumatic conditions, 3 metastatic disease, 5 non-rheumatic medical conditions and 4 markedly elevated ESR for unexplained reasons.