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Normal Range = Male: < 10. Female: < 15.
A marker of non-specific inflammation, tends to be
raised in lupus.
Various inflammatory conditions, including autoimmune
conditions, increase the rate at which the red blood cells (erythrocytes)
sink in a test tube and form a sediment.
Increased in infections (osteomyelitis, pelvic inflammatory
disease [75%]), inflammatory disease (temporal arteritis, polymyalgia
rheumatica, rheumatic fever), anemia, pregnancy, chronic renal failure,
GI disease (ulcerative colitis, regional ileitis).
Decreased in congestive heart failure, drugs (high
dose corticosteroids).
Low value of no diagnostic significance.
ESR is higher in women and older persons.
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