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What Causes Elevated ESR Levels?

Posted on Sat, 20 Dec 2014

Question: Hello, My name is XXXXXX. Today my mother took blood test. In that my mother ESR level shows very high is it risk for her? and how to control it. I am attached my mother report please give detailed explanation about her report. And she have a minor infarcts in her brain. she is under treatment.

note: Now i am suffering with cough and little bit cold

Answered by Dr. Dr.N.Senduran (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Independently not a risk

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

I am Dr.Senduran,General physician hope to answer your query..

I have gone through the reports carefully..

Everything seems to be within normal range except increased ESR and TSH(Thyroid stimulating hormone).

Independently increased ESR level doesn't signify any specific problem..commonly increased in infections,inflammation etc..

Increased TSH may indicate thyroid gland's underactivity(Hypothyroidism).

Is she already has been diagnosed with subclinical or clinical hypothyroidism and on thyroid replacement therapy with ?

Hypothyroid state could be the possible reason for increased ESR and is commonly associated too..

I would suggest her to get evaluated for thyroid disease or dysfunction..Initially please check also the levels of FT3(Free T3) and FT4(Free T4)..Treatment with lowest effective dose of thyroxine supplement may be needed to normalize the thyroid function

Discuss this with her treating doctor and decide further for the best of her health...

Hope this information helped you..Further followup queries are welcome.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Dr.N.Senduran (17 hours later)

Thank you for explanation. By the way is she suffering with any type of thyroid problem? if Free T3 and T4 tests is normal then what would we do.

Which specialist do i need to consult for Hypothyroidism

she never diagnosed with subclinical or clinical hypothyroidism and on thyroid replacement therapy!

Answered by Dr. Dr.N.Senduran (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Probably with subclinical hypothyroidism which is not a major concern..

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Thanks for following up..

Increased TSH with normal FT3,FT4 levels could indicate subclinical hypothyroidism..In this,patient mostly would have no or mild clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism like weight gain,hair loss,constipation etc..

So if the Free thyroxine(FT3 and FT4) are near normal,she doesn't need conventional thyroid replacement therapy which is instituted for clinical hypothyroidism..

A low dose of 25 to 50mcg thyroxine supplement may be considered initially to bring back TSH level back normal..

You need to visit preferably an endocrinologist or internal medicine specialist for evaluation and further management for the best of her health.

Hope i have answered your query.If any further doubts,get back to me or else please close the discussion by rating it..

Wish you and her a very good health

Regards

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T