I've noticed that my ESR number from my yearly physicals has gone down over the past few years, from a high of 43 in 2010 to now at 21. Does this mean anything?
Answer:
The ESR or sedimentation rate is a non specific acute phase reactant. The value will go up with infections and any chronic systemic inflammation. It also tends to go up with age. Values fluctuate from one test to another within the range you mention without being significant.
In my experience this test is not very useful in MS patients and should not cause you any concern.
Revere (Rip) Kinkel MD
Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program
Professor of Clinical Neurosciences
University of California San Diego