ESR isn't considered part of diagnostic criteria for AS because not all people with AS get raised ESR (or CRP) during flares. In some ways, if you do, then you are quite lucky - because that means you have a way of measuring whether treatment is working (if it reduces it). Many of us just don't show a raised ESR though and that is also quite normal.

Hi, Kristine:



Yes, ESR can be a direct measure of disease activity in the nearly 60% of people with AS who "indicate;" over 40% of patients, however, do not track disease activity with ESR or CRP.

HEALTH,
John

DragonSlayer,

Thanks John. I was alarmed by how everyone else's ESR was only within the 50-75 range while mine was over 100.

It's a good thing then that I "indicate". Makes it easier to tell what works and what doesn't.

I must say it is very frustrating for those of us who do not "indicate"
Part of the criteria here in Australia to qualify for biologics is an elevated ESR and CPR. The only way my rhuemy could get arround this was to put me on steriods and claim that was the reason for my less than impressive ESR and CPR rates.

aussiegirl,

love when doctors do things like this for us

when will everyone get on the same page and realize that not all inflammatory arthritises present themselves with elevated ESR and CRP.

as mentioned, if you do, it helps. but if negative, that shouldn't rule the spondys out.