Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) for spinal infection
Sensitive for spinal infection but not specific
Elevated ESR is observed in greater than 80% of patients with vertebral osteomyelitis and epidural abscess
ESR is the most sensitive and specific serum marker for spinal infection
Usually elevated in acute presentations of SEA and vertebral osteomyelitis
ESR was elevated in 94-100% of patients with SEA vs. only 33% of non-SEA patients
Mean ESR in patients with SEA was significantly elevated (51-77mm/hour)
Infection is unlikely in patients with an ESR less than 20 mm/h.
Incorporating ESR into an ED decision guideline may improve diagnostic delays and help distinguish patients in whom MRI may be performed on a non-emergent basis
References
1) Davis DP, et al. Prospective evaluation of a clinical decision guideline to diagnose spinal epidural abscess in patients who present to the emergency department with spine pain. J Neurosurg Spine 2011;14:765-767.
2) Reihsaus E, et al. Spinal epidural abscess: a meta-analysis of 915 patients. Neurosurg Rev 2000;23:175,204
