Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and plasma viscosity in pulmonary tuberculosis.

ABSTRACT

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and plasma viscosity (PV) are non-specific indices for screening, diagnosis and follow up to some disease. This prospective study of ESR and PV reports on 21 patients of pulmonary tuberculosis and 45 healthy. The mean and standard deviation of ESR in diseases and healthy were 80.1+35.4 and 11+7 mm/hr compared with PV 2.07+0.17 and 1.69+0.07 mPaS. After three months of complete treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis in six patients, the ESR returned from 69.2+25.9 to 21.3+16.8 mm/hr, the PV returned from 2.08+0.22 to 1.75+0.15 mPaS. Both tests gave good result in supporting diagnosis and follow up, however the PV is probably superior to ESR because of better quality control and precision, longer plasma reservation in room temperature. It is recommended that PV may have a role in clinical practice as well as ESR.