An ESR level above 100 mm/hr is generally considered a bad or abnormal result, indicating potentially serious underlying medical conditions. This elevated rate signifies significant inflammatory activity within the body.
Understanding ESR
The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) is a blood test measuring how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube. A faster-than-normal sedimentation rate suggests inflammation. While a slightly elevated ESR might be caused by various factors, a dramatically high ESR warrants further investigation.
High ESR Levels and Associated Conditions
An ESR exceeding 100 mm/hr often points to active and potentially severe diseases. Examples include:
- Cancers: Multiple myeloma (a plasma cell cancer) and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (a white blood cell cancer) are associated with extremely high ESR values.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Temporal arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica are inflammatory conditions linked to elevated ESR levels.
- Other Diseases: An ESR above 100 mm/hr could also signal other active diseases causing inflammation, such as vasculitis.
Normal ESR Ranges
Normal ESR values vary depending on age and sex:
- Women under 50: 0-20 mm/hour
- Women over 50: 0-30 mm/hour
- Children: 0-10 mm/hour
- Newborns: 0-2 mm/hr
- Newborns to puberty: 3-13 mm/hr
Note: These ranges can vary slightly between laboratories. Always refer to the reference range provided by your specific testing facility.
It is crucial to remember that a high ESR alone doesn't diagnose a specific condition. It's a valuable indicator for further investigations and, in conjunction with other diagnostic tools, helps healthcare professionals pinpoint the underlying cause.
