[Are inflammation parameters true signs of activity? A contribution to the problem of process activity and...

Among all laboratory parameters used today in the assessment of activity and progression of rheumatoid arthritis erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) can only be recommended reservedly. ESR is influenced by anemia, reduction of plasma fibrinogen, dysproteinemia and by the concentration of acute phase proteins. Quantification of acute phase proteins especially of the C-reactive protein (CRP) correlates best with activity and progression of early forms of rheumatoid arthritis as well as with malignant courses. During the administration of alkylating agents - rise of ESR in spite of clinical improvement and decrease of CRP - and during antimalarials - clinical improvement, decrease of CRP and constant, unchanged ESR - the quantification of CRP turns out to be superior to ESR.