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Littlejohn E, Marder W, Lewis E, Francis S, Jackish J, McCune WJ, Somers EC. The ratio of erythrocyte sedimentation rate to C-reactive protein is useful in distinguishing infection from flare in systemic lupus erythematosus patients presenting with fever. Lupus 2018; 27:1123-1129. [PMID: 29546774 DOI: 10.1177/0961203318763732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Both C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) can be elevated in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) flare and infection, and are therefore of limited utility for distinguishing between the two conditions in febrile SLE patients. Methods A medical records review of hospitalizations (1997-2006) of SLE patients in the Michigan Lupus Cohort was performed. Eligible hospitalizations were those in which patients presented with a temperature of >100.3°F or with subjective fevers as a presenting complaint at admission. Detailed demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the associations between ESR and CRP and the outcome of flare vs infection, adjusted for confounders. Results Among 557 SLE patients screened, there were 53 eligible hospitalizations (28 flares and 25 infections). Each unit increase in the ratio of ESR:CRP was associated with a 17% increase in the odds of fever being attributable to SLE flare compared to infection (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.04, 1.31; p = 0.009), when adjusted for white blood cell count, SLE duration, sex, race, and age. ESR and CRP were not individually associated with flare vs infection when modeled with their ratio. Conclusions The ratio of ESR:CRP may provide diagnostic value beyond individual ESR and CRP levels in distinguishing flare vs infection in SLE patients presenting with fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Littlejohn
- 1 Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, 1259 University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - W Marder
- 1 Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, 1259 University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,2 Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 1259 University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - E Lewis
- 1 Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, 1259 University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - S Francis
- 1 Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, 1259 University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,3 Orthopedics & Sports Medicine P.C., New Windsor, NY, USA
| | - J Jackish
- 1 Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, 1259 University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,4 25214 Park Nicollet/Health Partners Methodist Hospital , St. Louis Park, MN, USA
| | - W J McCune
- 1 Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, 1259 University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - E C Somers
- 1 Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, 1259 University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,2 Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 1259 University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,5 Department of Environmental Health Sciences, 1259 University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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