Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate and C-Reactive Protein in the Diagnosis of Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Authors: Fabrizio Cantini
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1998)

Letters15 May 1998Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate and C-Reactive Protein in the Diagnosis of Polymyalgia RheumaticaFabrizio Cantini, MD, Carlo Salvarani, MD, and Ignazio Olivieri, MDFabrizio Cantini, MDOspedale di Prato; Prato, ItalyAziendo Ospedaliera Arcispedale S. Maria Nuovo; Reggio Emilia, ItalyOspedale S. Orsola-Malpighi; Bologna, Italy, Carlo Salvarani, MDOspedale di Prato; Prato, ItalyAziendo Ospedaliera Arcispedale S. Maria Nuovo; Reggio Emilia, ItalyOspedale S. Orsola-Malpighi; Bologna, Italy, and Ignazio Olivieri, MDOspedale di Prato; Prato, ItalyAziendo Ospedaliera Arcispedale S. Maria Nuovo; Reggio Emilia, ItalyOspedale S. Orsola-Malpighi; Bologna, ItalyAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-128-10-199805150-00021 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail TO THE EDITOR:An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of at least 40 mm/h has been included in the diagnostic criteria of polymyalgia rheumatica [1]. However, some studies have reported a percentage of patients with polymyalgia rheumatica who have an ESR at diagnosis that oscillates between 10% to 20% of normal [2-4]. C-reactive protein, a direct measure of acute phase response, could be a more sensitive marker of disease activity than ESR in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica. As a result, it could be useful for diagnosis and evaluation of relapse and recurrence.We determined ESR (by the Westergren method) and C-reactive ...References1. Salvarani C, Macchioni PL, Boiardi L. Polymyalgia rheumatica. Lancet. 1997; 350:43-7. Google Scholar2. Ellis ME, Ralsto S. The ESR in the diagnosis and management of the polymyalgia rheumatica/giant cell arteritis syndrome. Ann Rheum Dis. 1983; 42:168-70. Google Scholar3. Helfgott SM, Kieval RI. Polymyalgia rheumatica in patients with a normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Arthritis Rheum. 1996; 39:304-7. Google Scholar4. Gonzalez Gay MA, Rodriguez-Valverde V, Blanco R, Fernandez-Sueiro JL, Armona J, Figueroa M, et al. Polymyalgia rheumatica without significantly increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Arch Intern Med. 1997; 157:317-20. Google Scholar5. Arnett FC, Edworthy SM, Bloch DA, McShane DJ, Fries JF, Cooper NS, et al. The American Rheumatism Association 1987 revised criteria for the classification of rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 1988; 31:315-24. Google Scholar Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAuthors: Fabrizio Cantini, MD; Carlo Salvarani, MD; Ignazio Olivieri, MDAffiliations: Ospedale di Prato; Prato, ItalyAziendo Ospedaliera Arcispedale S. Maria Nuovo; Reggio Emilia, ItalyOspedale S. Orsola-Malpighi; Bologna, Italy PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics Cited byLaboratory investigations, imaging and neurological assessment in pain managementPolymyalgia rheumaticaIncreased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in Taiwanese schizophrenic patientsSystematic review of the literature and a case report informing biopsy-proven giant cell arteritis (GCA) with normal C-reactive proteinValue of acute-phase reactants in monitoring disease activity and treatment response in idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis2012 Provisional classification criteria for polymyalgia rheumatica: A European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology collaborative initiativeHigh-sensitivity C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in systemic lupus erythematosusNHG-Standaard Polymyalgia rheumatica en arteriitis temporalisLaboratory Investigations, Imaging and Neurological Assessment in Pain ManagementHartkloppingenM92 Polymyalgia rheumatica en arteriitis temporalisHigh sensitivity C-reactive protein in systemic lupus erythematosus: relation to disease activity, clinical presentation and implications for cardiovascular risk 15 May 1998Volume 128, Issue 10Page: 873-874KeywordsC-reactive proteinsErythrocyte sedimentation rateNephelometryPolymyalgia rheumaticaProspective studiesRetrospective studiesRheumatoid arthritisSigns and symptoms ePublished: 15 August 2000 Issue Published: 15 May 1998 Copyright & PermissionsCopyright © 1998 by American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.PDF downloadLoading ...