ESR, CRP and auto immune

[emolineux]

I have been feeling really tired/exhausted for the last few months and some joints in my hand ache. My mum has Rheumatoid arthritis and I have had some blood tests done to determine to cause of my symptoms. The last 2-3 blood test results were: ESR was 24, then 10, then 34. CRP was 36, then 5.5. The Dr was going to ignore them but then has given me a referral to a Rheumatologist. I am confused as to why my ESR and CRP results are always opposite each other? One is high and the other normal, then they swap next time I have bloods done.

[ewford]

  You could have a chronic bacterial and/or viral infection.  Research IMMED or www (dot) IMMED (dot) org and look under Autoimmune illnesses

[Red_Star]

CRP levels can fluctuate over time so most experts are now recommend measuring two CRP levels a few weeks apart and averaging the two values. CRP appears and then disappears sooner than changes in the ESR.  CRP is not affected by as many other factors as is ESR, making it a better marker of inflammation.

Although a result above 1 mg/L is usually considered high for CRP, most infections and inflammations result in CRP levels above 10 mg/L.  Higher levels are found in late pregnant women, mild inflammation and viral infections (10 - 40 mg/L), active inflammation, bacterial infection (40 - 200 mg/L), severe bacterial infections and burns (>200 mg/L).