Elevated Sedimentation Rate

An increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) above the age- and sex-adjusted reference range, reflecting enhanced rouleaux formation due to increased plasma acute-phase proteins and serving as a nonspecific marker of systemic inflammation.

• Children: <10 mm/hour

• Men <50 years: <15 mm/hour

• Men ≥50 years: <20 mm/hour

• Women <50 years: <20 mm/hour

• Women ≥50 years: <30 mm/hour

Causes

• Inflammatory and autoimmune disorders

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

  • Polymyalgia rheumatica

  • Vasculitis

• Infections

  • Bacterial infections

  • Viral infections

  • Fungal infections

  • Tuberculosis

• Malignancy

  • Multiple myeloma

  • Lymphoma

  • Renal cancer

• Chronic diseases

  • Chronic kidney disease

  • Thyroid disorders

  • Diabetes mellitus

• Hematologic disorders

  • Anemia

  • Monoclonal gammopathies

• Physiological causes

  • Aging

  • Pregnancy