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Updated: Sep 21, 2025

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate: A Physics-Driven Characterization in a Medical Context
Published on: March 24, 2023
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in Patients with Renal Insufficiency and Renal Replacement Therapy
Anna Buckenmayer1, Lotte Dahmen1, Joachim Hoyer1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Nephrology & Intensive Care Medicine, Phillips University, Marburg, Germany.
Background:
Determination of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a simple diagnostic tool for estimating systemic inflammation. It remains unclear whether ESR is influenced by renal disease or renal replacement therapy (RRT).
Objective:
To report the incidence and extent of ESR elevations in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the possible impact of RRT.
Methods:
We performed a single-center, retrospective study in inpatients with or without renal disease and in those with RRT, comparing ESR levels and other laboratory and clinical information.
Results:
A total of 203 patients were included. On average, ESR was elevated (mean [SD], 51.7 [34.6] mm/h), with no statistically significant difference between the patient groups. Only those receiving PD showed significantly higher ESR (78.3 [33.1] mm/h; P < .001).
Conclusions:
ESR testing can be used without restriction in patients with CKD and in patients undergoing hemodialysis and who have received kidney transplantation; however, this measurement should be monitored carefully in patients with PD.
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