Diagnostic importance of an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the elderly.
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.
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*