Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in Patients with Renal Insufficiency and Renal Replacement Therapy

Abstract Background: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a simple laboratory diagnostic tool for estimating systemic inflammation. It remains unclear, if renal function affects ESR, thereby compromising its validity. This pilot study aims to compare prevalence and extent of ESR elevations in hospitalized patients with or without kidney disease. In addition, the impact of renal replacement therapy (RRT) modality on ESR was determined.Methods: In this single-center, retrospective study, patients were screened for ESR values. ESR was compared in patients with and without renal disease and/or RRT. In addition, ESR was correlated with other inflammatory markers, the extent of renal insufficiency and clinical characteristics.Results: A total of 203 patients was identified, showing an overall elevated ESR in the study population (mean 51.7±34.6 mm/h). ESR was significantly increased in all patients with severe infection, active vasculitis or cancer, respectively, independent from renal function. Interestingly, there was no difference in ESR between patients with and without kidney disease or those having received a prior renal transplant or being on hemodialysis. However, ESRD patients treated with peritoneal dialysis presented with a significantly higher ESR (78.3±33.1 mm/h, p<0.001), while correlation with other inflammatory markers was not persuasive.Conclusions: We showed that ESR: (1) does not differ between various stages of renal insufficiency; (2) may be helpful as a screening tool also in patients with renal insufficiency; and (3) is significantly increased in ESRD patients on peritoneal dialysis per se, while it seems not to be affected by hemodialysis or renal transplantation (see graphical abstract as supplementary material).