Patient's question:
On November 5, 2012, fever 39.6, ESR 75, foot swelling, painDoctor's answer:
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) can be accelerated in certain physiological conditions and is observed in various pathological conditions, such as acute and chronic inflammation (e.g., tuberculosis, connective tissue diseases, rheumatic fever, etc.). Tissue damage and necrosis can also cause a short-term increase. In malignant tumors, particularly those with high malignancy and rapid growth, the increase is more pronounced. Multiple hyperglobulinemias can also lead to accelerated ESR, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple myeloma, macroglobulinemia, cirrhosis, chronic nephritis, etc. ESR can also be elevated in anemia and hypercholesterolemia. Therefore, an accelerated ESR has a complex etiology and is non-specific. This elevated level cannot be used to diagnose any disease alone; it should be interpreted in combination with symptoms and other tests for a comprehensive judgment.