title: Diagnostic importance of an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the elderly.
abstract: The usefulness of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in elderly individuals has recently been questioned. ESR measurements were obtained on 100 elderly individuals using the Westergren method. In 4% of the patients screened the ESR was responsible for uncovering previously undiagnosed illnesses. Elevated ESR's, while more prevalent in the elderly than in younger individuals, have a similar pathological significance.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011111:Polymyalgia Rheumatica / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*