home » Analyzes and diagnostics » Soe maximum value. Increased ESR in a blood test - what does it mean. Causes of increased ESR in children, pregnant women and adults.

Soe maximum value. Increased ESR in a blood test - what does it mean. Causes of increased ESR in children, pregnant women and adults.

Analysis blood ESR(erythrocyte sedimentation rate), or ROE (erythrocyte sedimentation reaction) shows how inflammatory processes various etiologies.

In order to determine the ESR, an anticoagulant (a substance that prevents blood clotting) is added to the taken blood and placed in a vertically mounted test tube for one hour. Under the influence of the difference in the specific gravity of erythrocytes and plasma, erythrocytes sink to the bottom, and plasma remains in the upper layer. The blood in the test tube is separated into layers. An hour later, the height of the plasma layer determines the rate at which erythrocytes settle.

The number on the scale of divisions of the test tube, located on the border between plasma and erythrocytes, will show the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. This speed is measured in millimeters per hour.

Each person is always in some state:

fatigue;
tone;
in a dream;
in a sick state.

All these conditions can be determined by taking a blood test. The analysis will show what the body lacks for normal functioning and will give full information about the state of the blood.

The most common blood test is a general one.

General analysis blood determines:

the number of red blood cells;
hemoglobin content;
the number of leukocytes;

Let's take a closer look at the ESR.

Deciphering ESR in a biochemical blood test

This analysis is perhaps the most important, as it detects terrible and serious diseases.

So, if the ESR blood test is elevated, we can say that it begins:

myocardial infarction;
anemia;
intoxication;
pneumonia;
syphilis;
tuberculosis and other equally insidious diseases.

It is clear that the decoding of the ESR does not explain anything to an ignorant person, but for an informed person, this analysis reveals a lot of valuable knowledge.

For example, the ESR analysis will increase with meals and during pregnancy.

ESR norm in the blood test depends on the age category of the patient:

in newborns, this figure is about 2 mm / h;
blood test ESR in children under six years of age - about 15 mm / h;
in men under 60 - about 8 mm / h;
after 60 years - about 20 mm / h;
in women under 60 - about 12 mm / h;
after 60 years - about 15 mm / h.

Moreover, the normal ESR in men over 60 years of age can reach values of 25 mm / h. If a blood test determines the ESR value as 30 mm / h, then for men it will be too much, and for women it will be the norm.

ESR clinical blood test

ESR indicators vary depending on various pathological and physiological factors.

Changes in blood protein during pregnancy lead to an increase in ESR. A decrease in the number of red blood cells (anemia) leads to an acceleration of ESR processes, and vice versa.

The maximum level is fixed in the daytime. With an exacerbation of infectious and inflammatory processes, a change in ESR is observed a day after an increase in the number of leukocytes and an increase in temperature.

Chronic inflammation is caused by an increase in ESR and an increase in the concentration of immunoglobulins and fibrinogen.

ESR in dynamics can be determined in combination with other tests and is used to control the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases. Moreover, in women, a blood test shows a higher ESR than in men.

ESR - what is it? An exhaustive answer to question asked you will find in the materials of the presented article. We will tell you about what is the norm of this indicator in human blood, why it is determined, in what diseases it is observed, and so on.

General information about the indicator and decoding

Surely every patient who donated blood for tests saw the abbreviation ESR in the results. The decoding of the presented combination of letters is as follows: erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

In medical practice, this term is called laboratory non-specific, which reflects the ratio of plasma.

History of the research method

ESR - what is it? How long has this indicator been taken into account in the study of the material of the patient? This phenomenon was known in ancient Greece, but it was not used in clinical practice until the twentieth century.

In 1918, it was found that the erythrocyte sedimentation rate differed significantly between pregnant women and ordinary people. Subsequently, scientists have revealed the fact that this indicator changes under the influence of certain diseases. Thus, in the period from 1926 to 1935, several research methods were developed, which are still actively used in medical practice to determine the ESR value.

The principle of the research method

ESR - what is it, and how is this indicator determined? To determine the value of the patient, it is necessary to donate blood for analysis. As a result of her research, laboratory staff determine the specific mass of red cells. If they exceed the specific gravity of the plasma, then the erythrocytes begin to slowly settle to the bottom of the tube. This is how the rate and degree of aggregation (the ability to stick together) of red blood cells is determined.

Chemical causes of an increase and decrease in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate

The ESR index directly depends on the degree of erythrocyte aggregation. However, it increases if the plasma concentration of acute phase proteins or markers of the inflammatory process increases. Conversely, the ESR value decreases if the amount of albumin increases.

ESR analysis: the norm of the indicator

As mentioned above, in order to determine the patient, it is necessary to donate blood for analysis. After the material enters the laboratory, it is subjected to a thorough examination. Specialists observe the process of erythrocyte sedimentation under the influence of gravity, depriving the blood of any possibility of clotting.

So, what should be the normal ESR? The rate of sedimentation of red blood cells in healthy women is 2-15 mm per hour. As for the representatives of the stronger sex, this value is somewhat lower for them and equals 1-10 mm per hour.

ESR: indicator level

In medical practice, deviations from the norm are usually distinguished by degrees:

Possible causes of deviations from the norm

Now you know the information about ESR - what it is. Most often, an increase in this indicator is associated with chronic or acute infection, heart attacks. internal organs and immunopathological diseases.

Despite the fact that inflammatory reactions in the body are the most common causes acceleration of erythrocyte sedimentation, this deviation may be due to other, not always pathological, phenomena.

A significant increase in ESR is observed in malignant neoplasms, a decrease in the total number of erythrocytes, during pregnancy, and also during treatment with any medicines(for example, salicylates).

Moderate rise ESR indicator(by about 20-30 mm per hour) can occur with hypoproteinemia, anemia, pregnancy, and also in women during menstruation.

Diseases with increased or decreased ESR

Sharp and significant red cells (more than 60 mm per hour) are accompanied by conditions such as autoimmune diseases, septic process and malignant tumors characterized by tissue breakdown.

A reduced value of this indicator is possible with changes in the shape of erythrocytes, hyperproteinemia, leukocytosis, erythrocytosis, as well as hepatitis and DIC.

Why is it important to conduct a blood test for ESR?

Despite the nonspecificity of the definition of ESR, this study remains the most popular and important laboratory test. Thanks to him, specialists can quickly establish the fact of the presence and intensity of the development of the inflammatory process.

Such a study of the patient's blood often reveals malignant neoplasm, which allows you to start to eliminate it in time and save the life of the patient. That is why the determination of ESR is an extremely important method of research, which is subjected to the blood of almost every person who seeks help from a medical institution.

A complete blood count is the type of study with which any laboratory diagnosis begins. And in this analysis, along with many indicators (the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin levels), ESR appears. What is SOE? This abbreviation stands for erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

The essence of the method

Our blood consists of a liquid part and a dry residue. The liquid part of the blood is plasma, and the dry residue is mainly represented by erythrocytes. In addition to erythrocytes, there are also leukocytes and platelets. But their number is so small that it can not be taken into account. Erythrocytes, or red blood cells, are biconcave discs.

In order for erythrocytes to perform their main function of transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide, they must be in the blood plasma in a free suspended state, and in no case should they stick together. This is achieved by a number of complex physiological mechanisms. However, in vitro (in vitro) erythrocytes settle because their density, or specific gravity, exceeds the density of blood plasma. True, the speed of their settling is different.

Not the last factor affecting the rate is the phenomenon of erythrocyte aggregation (gluing). RBC aggregation is a consequence of various pathological conditions. Conglomerates of erythrocytes glued together have a large mass with a relatively small surface area, which creates conditions for their faster settling in a liquid medium.

Influencing factors

ESR in the blood depends on a number of factors, including:

The charge of the erythrocyte membrane. Normally, the surface of the erythrocyte membrane has a negative charge. Similarly charged erythrocytes repel each other and do not stick together. Due to various pathological conditions (poisoning, infection, diseases of internal organs), the erythrocyte membrane can be damaged with a change in its charge.
The number of erythrocytes. The fewer red blood cells, the faster they settle, and vice versa. Therefore, with anemia (anemia), the ESR will be increased.
The protein composition of the blood. The main proteins of blood plasma are represented by low molecular weight albumins and large molecular weight globulins. With various inflammatory reactions, incl. and infectious nature, the amount of globulins increases. “Inflammatory proteins” appear - fibrinogen, C-reactive protein. This is accompanied by a change in the membrane charge of erythrocytes. A decrease in albumin levels in liver disease leads to the same result.
Acid-base state of the blood (ACS). The higher the acidity (acidosis) of the blood plasma, the higher the ESR, and, conversely, when the CBS is shifted to the alkaline side (alkalosis), the ESR increases.

Thus, ESR shows that certain pathological changes occur in various organs and biological environments.

Normal values

The unit of measurement of ESR is mm/h - millimeter per hour. When determining the ESR norm, the following are taken into account:

Floor. In men, the ESR rate is 2-10 mm / h, and in women it is slightly higher, and is equal to 3-15 mm / h.
Age. In persons of both sexes older than 50-60 years, the upper limit of values \u200b\u200bis up to 15-20 mm / h is allowed. ESR changes especially rapidly in children different ages. In newborns, ESR is 0-2 mm / h, in children from 6 months to a year - 12-17 mm / h, and in the blood of a child older than a year - 12-18 mm / h.

Although various sources normal values ESR may vary slightly. Apparently, this is due to the improvement of the technology for measuring this indicator.

In some reference materials you can meet another indicator - ROE. This is the erythrocyte sedimentation reaction.

The presence of this indicator in some cases can confuse the interpretation of the test results. However, it should be noted that ESR and ROE are one and the same. It's just that ROE is an outdated term, which was replaced by ESR back in Soviet times.

Method of determination

The classic method for determining ESR is the Panchenkov method. capillary blood taken from the finger of the subject, in order to avoid clotting, it is mixed with a preservative in a ratio of 3: 1 - 3 parts of blood and 1 part of a preservative. 5% sodium citrate acts as a preservative. The citrated blood is then placed into specially graduated glass capillaries. The results of the analysis are evaluated after 1 hour by the height of the light bar corresponding to blood plasma devoid of settled erythrocytes.

Now the Panchenkov method has been replaced by a more progressive method Westergren. At its core, it practically does not differ from the Panchenkov method. True, here, instead of glass capillaries, special graduated test tubes are used. The concentration of the preservative and its ratio with blood is also different - 3.8% and 4:1. But the fundamental difference is different. When determining ESR according to the Westergren method, instead of blood from a finger, blood is taken from a vein. The bottom line is that many external influences (cold, physical activity) lead to capillary spasm, to a change in the characteristics of the blood flowing in them, and to a distortion of the results obtained. It follows from this that the analysis of venous blood is more objective than that of arterial blood.

Causes of high ESR

In clinical practice, an increase in ESR is most often observed. The main reasons for this standing:

inflammatory processes in the upper respiratory tract infectious nature - sinusitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, tonsillitis;
liver diseases - hepatitis, cirrhosis;
malignant oncological diseases - cancer, sarcoma;
allergic reactions;
anemia;
various conditions leading to alkalosis;
pregnancy;
increased blood cholesterol levels;
abundant intake of fatty foods - in this regard, a complete blood count should be taken on an empty stomach.

ESR may increase during blood sampling in hot climates, at temperatures above 270C. And this should also be taken into account when evaluating the results.

Causes of low ESR

A decrease in ESR may be due to such reasons as:

polycythemia - a disease that leads to an increase in the content of red blood cells in the blood;
diseases of the cardiovascular system, leading to the formation of congestive heart failure;
some genetic blood diseases - sickle cell anemia, hereditary microspherocytosis;
plasma acidosis;
taking certain medications, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
an increase in the level of bile acids in the blood plasma with liver damage, inflammatory diseases gallbladder, pancreas;
Low ESR is also observed when blood is taken for analysis with an ambient temperature below 220C.

Features of the increase in certain conditions

Depending on the pathology, 3 degrees of increased ESR are distinguished:

15-30;
30-60;
over 60.

It is believed that the degree of increase in this indicator depends on the severity of the inflammatory process. In this regard, the ESR in pneumonia will be higher than in bronchitis. Although this statement is not always true. ESR level depends on the phase of the disease. As a rule, it rises 1-2 days after the first symptom of the disease has developed - weakness,
Cough or high fever.

The maximum value of ESR is reached approximately at the 2nd week of the disease. Together with ESR, the number of leukocytes increases. Then, as the patient's condition improves during treatment, the ESR decreases and returns to normal. During pregnancy, an increase in ESR occurs approximately from the 4th week, reaches a maximum by the end of pregnancy (40-50 mm / h and above), and after successful delivery it quickly normalizes. In oncology, due to the massive breakdown of the protein, the composition of the blood plasma changes, and this is accompanied by a sharp increase in ESR to 80-90 mm / h.

Clinical Significance

It should be noted that it is impossible to judge the severity and phase of the course of the disease on the basis of ESR alone. This is a non-specific indicator, and the decoding of the analysis, in addition to the ESR, should take into account the content of other uniform elements. Often high ESR in the general blood test is the reason for a more detailed laboratory diagnosis.

What does ESR mean in blood test results?
How is this abbreviation deciphered and for what diseases is this analysis prescribed?

SOE stands for"sedimentation rate of erythrocytes". This indicator is included in a detailed blood test, which is prescribed by any doctor after the first consultation.
In the laboratory, ESR can be determined by two main methods.
In our country, the definition of ESR according to the Panchenkov method is more often used. Under standard conditions, a special graduated capillary is filled with venous blood mixed with an anticoagulant (a blood thinner, most often sodium citrate) in a certain ratio. And then set it to a vertical position. As a result, whole blood separates over time into two layers: erythrocytes (sediment) and plasma (liquid part). An hour later, the amount of sedimentation is determined by the plasma column above the settled erythrocytes. The division of the capillary pipette, corresponding to the border of plasma and erythrocytes, is recorded as the ESR value. This indicator is measured in millimeters per hour.
The diagnostic significance of ESR is based on an increase in the indicator in the case of any pathological process in the body.
In conditions that are accompanied by inflammation, destruction of body tissues, malignant cell growth, immune disorders, the content of certain proteins in the blood serum increases, which, adsorbed on the surface of erythrocytes, increase the rate of their
subsidence.
Unfortunately, ESR is not a specific indicator, that is, it is impossible to determine exactly where the inflammatory process is localized and what its cause is.
Nevertheless, a detailed blood test and ESR, in particular, is a very important and necessary analysis for many diseases.
Deviation from the norm of this indicator can be not only in the case of diseases.
For example, in women during pregnancy, in the postpartum period, as well as in older people, ESR increases.
An increase in ESR can also be observed in the following pathological processes:
1) inflammatory processes, infectious diseases;
2) injuries and fractures of bones, conditions after surgical interventions;
3) malignant tumors.
Also, do not forget that some drugs, such as estrogens, can increase ESR.
A decrease in ESR can provoke starvation, a vegetarian diet, a decrease in muscle mass, increased flooding of the body with fluid, and early pregnancy.

General blood analysis. The norm of ESR in the blood test in children and adults.
The norm of ESR in men is 2-10 mm / h, in women 3-15 mm / h, in newborns 0-2 mm / h, in children under the age of 6 months 12-17 mm / h.
In pregnant women women ESR can rise to 20-25 mm / h or more, which mainly depends on the degree of blood thinning against the background of the development of anemia.

Blood washes all organs and systems, therefore, first of all, it reflects the anomalies that occur in the body. A general blood test consists in counting the number of certain leukocytes, reticulocytes, platelets), an increase or decrease in the number of which indicates certain pathologies.

About what is ESR in a blood test, I would like to know many people who go to the doctor about various diseases. directly depends on the composition of protein molecules in plasma.

How is the analysis carried out?

Under laboratory conditions, blood with the addition of drugs that prevent clotting is placed in a narrow and tall test tube. Within an hour, erythrocytes begin to sink under their own weight to the bottom, leaving blood plasma, a yellowish liquid, on top. Measuring its level allows you to determine the rate of settling in mm / h.

Why is this indicator needed?

Every doctor who treats inflammatory diseases knows what ESR is in a blood test and what factors affect it. red blood cells can rise and fall, which will indicate the reaction of the body. Red blood cells move down faster when other large molecules appear - immunoglobulins or fibrinogen. These proteins are produced during the first two days of infection. Just then, the ESR indicator begins to grow, reaching a peak value by the 12-14th day of illness. If at this level there was an increase in the number of leukocytes, it means that the body is actively fighting microbes.

Increasing or decreasing the settling rate

You can find out what ESR is in a blood test, why the indicator may increase, at the appointment of your doctor. The norm for women is from 2 to 15 mm / hour, and for men - from 1 to 10 mm / hour. It follows that the weaker sex is more prone to inflammation. Most often, the reason for the acceleration of ESR is precisely such processes as:

Purulent inflammatory (tonsillitis, damage to bones, uterine appendages).
Infectious diseases.
Malignant tumors.
autoimmune diseases ( rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis).
Thrombosis.
Cirrhosis of the liver.
Anemia and blood cancer.
Diseases endocrine system (diabetes, goiter).

When should I go to the doctor and be examined?

It happens that the result of a blood test remains undeciphered. Then you need to contact your doctor with a question about what is ROE in a blood test (an outdated name for ESR).

A level of up to 30 mm per hour is a manifestation of sinusitis, otitis media, inflammation of the female genital organs, prostatitis, pyelonephritis. Most likely, the disease is in a chronic stage, but requires medical supervision.

A level above 40 mm per hour is a reason for a large-scale examination, since the value indicates serious infections, metabolic disorders, and immunity, foci of purulent lesions.