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[Blood sedimentation rate in healthy persons]
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|February 12, 1990
Summary
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) increases with age, particularly in women. Current screening cut-offs may yield more false positives in older adults, suggesting age-specific thresholds.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Clinical Chemistry
- Biostatistics
Context:
- The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a common hematological test.
- Established Westergren method used for ESR determination.
- Study population: 4,202 blood donors aged 18-65 years.
Purpose:
- To analyze the distribution of ESR values in a large cohort of blood donors.
- To investigate the influence of age and sex on ESR.
- To evaluate the performance of current ESR cut-off values as a screening tool.
Summary:
- ESR distribution followed a log-normal pattern in both sexes.
- Median ESR was higher in females across all age groups.
- ESR median and range increased with age, most notably in females.
- False positive rates increased significantly after age 45 with cut-offs of 15-20 mm/hr, and after age 55 with a 25 mm/hr cut-off.
Impact:
- Findings suggest current ESR cut-off values may require adjustment.
- Consideration of distinct ESR cut-off values for premenopausal and postmenopausal women is recommended.
- A single ESR cut-off value appears adequate for men.