Modified (mixed) erythrocyte sedimentation rate in sickle cell anemia

Abstract

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a non-specific laboratory test that is widely used by clinicians in their assessment of a disease state. The phenomenon of erythrocyte sedimentation is largely dependent on the concentration of plasma proteins and their interactions with erythrocyte surfaces. The use of the ESR in sickle cell anemia is impaired by the abnormal deformability of sickled cells. In an attempt to bypass this phenomenon, a mixed erythrocyte sedimentation rate (M-ESR) has been developed. In the M-ESR the pathological erythrocytes of sickle cell anemia are substituted for normal erythrocytes. Although less than 60% of symptomatic patients with sickle cell anemia had an elevated ESR, 100% had an elevated M-ESR.