The Current Relevance and Applications of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Disease Conditions: A Review

Abstract

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a simple and inexpensive laboratory test. It is commonly used to assess the acute phase response. A review of relevant literature was done to evaluate the role of the ESR and its importance in different clinical conditions both inflammatory and non-inflammatory. Despite the critical role cytokines have in inflammatory conditions, the ESR still maintains its important role in the diagnosis and follow-up of rheumatoid arthritis and temporal arthritis. Recently, ESR had been reported to be of clinical significance in sickle cell disease, oesteomyelitis and in non-inflammatory conditions such as stroke, coronary artery disease and prostate cancer. Erythrocyte sedimentation
rate measured by the Westergreen method is affected by age, race and blood storage. Despite its importance in many clinical conditions, ESR should be used only as a clinical guide to aid the diagnosis, management and follow-up of these differential clinical conditions.