What conditions affect the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein level?
The ESR and CRP level are raised in many inflammatory conditions. For example: • Certain infections (mainly bacterial infections) • Abscesses • Certain types of arthritis • Various other muscular and connective tissue disorders • Tissue injury and burns • Cancers • Crohn’s disease • Rejection of an organ transplant • Heart attack Some conditions lower the ESR. For example, heart failure, polycythaemia, sickle-cell anaemia, and cryoglobulinaemia.
