Author/Editor		Bohinjec, J
Title		Hitrost sedimentacije eritrocitov in njen diagnostični pomen
Translated title		Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and its diagnostic value
Type		članek
Source		Zdrav Vestn
Vol. and No.		Letnik 62, št. 9
Publication year		1993
Volume		str. 397-400
Language		slo
Abstract		Background. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (FSR) is one of the oldiest laboratory examinations. The results are often under or overestimated. The author shortly describes the factors which influence ESR and gives normal values for all age groups. Results. ESR could be optionaly devided in moderately (up to 70 mm), strongly (70-100 mm) and very strongly (over 100 mm) increased. If a moderately increased ESR has been accidentaly established in a clinicaly healthy person and the results of other rutine laboratory examinations including serum electrophoresis are normal, further sometimes costly examinations only rarely detect a corresponding disease. It has to be borne in mind that after an acute inflammation the FSR can only slowly decrease to normal values in a time when other signs of the disease have already passed away. A high ESR is frequently detected in metastatic carcinomas especially in the bones. The presence of erythroblasts in blood smear and a high activity of serum alcaline phosphatase point in this direction. In iron defficiency anemia, an increased ESR indicates an underlyng inflammatory or malignant disease. Conclusions. A strongly increased ESR should be taken seriously as it is almost always a sign of a disease. In a asymptomatic person with a high ESR, a monoclonal gammopaty of undetermined significance or an indolent plasmocytoma should be considered first. Acute and chronic inflamations are only rarely clinicaly latent.
Descriptors		BLOOD SEDIMENTATION DIAGNOSIS, DIFFERENTIAL IMMUNOPROLIFERATIVE DISORDERS BACTERIAL INFECTIONS NEOPLASM METASTASIS