Extremely Elevated Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rates: Associations With Patients' Diagnoses, Demographic Characteristics, and Comorbidities

We found that almost all patients have an identifiable etiology for extreme ESR elevations and that infection is the most common disease association. Unlike previous research, we identified higher ESRs in men than in women and no associations with age, race, and comorbid illness. These findings may enhance the diagnostic evaluation of patients with extreme ESR elevations.