Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) by Westergreen and Ziehl- Neelsen staining techniques were performed on 128 samples collected between January 2010 to November 2011 in the city of Porto Novo ,Cape Verde among whom 73(57%) were males and 55(43%) were females. 8(6.25%) were positive for tuberculosis with elevated ESR in all the eight samples. In all the samples, 77.3% showed elevated ESR without evidence of pulmonary tuberculosis and elevated ESR were influenced by age. In conclusion, ESR could serve as an important prognostic index but not a diagnostic index unless used in conjunction with other specific tests such as cultural techniques, nucleic acid probes and nucleic acid amplification using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). ESR left alone cannot serve as an important diagnostic index for tuberculosis since elevated results were recorded even in the absence of disease.
KEYWORDS: Erythrocyte Sedimentation rate, Diagnostic index, pulmonary, Tuberculosis
Table of Contents
- Acknowledgment
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Methodology
- Results
- Discussion and Conclusion
- References
Objectives and Key Themes
The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis. The research investigated whether ESR could serve as a reliable diagnostic indicator for this disease.
- The diagnostic value of ESR in pulmonary tuberculosis.
- The influence of various factors on ESR results.
- Comparison of ESR results with other diagnostic methods.
- The limitations of using ESR as a sole diagnostic tool.
- The correlation between ESR and age in relation to tuberculosis.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter introduces the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) as a non-specific test widely used in clinical medicine. It details the Westergreen method for measuring ESR, highlighting its history and the various factors influencing the sedimentation rate, such as rouleaux formation, red blood cell concentration, plasma viscosity, and the properties of the sedimentation tube. The chapter reviews existing literature on the different stages of ESR and the comparative sensitivity of different ESR measurement methods. It also discusses previous research findings on ESR's relationship with various conditions, including HIV and other chronic diseases, and its differing results across gender and age groups, touching upon the debate regarding ESR's diagnostic utility, particularly concerning pulmonary tuberculosis.
Methodology: This chapter describes the methods used in the study. Venous blood and sputum samples were collected from 128 subjects exhibiting clinical symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis. The ESR was measured using the Westergreen-Katz method, and Ziehl-Neelsen staining was employed to identify the presence of Koch's bacillus in sputum samples. The chapter details the procedures for both ESR measurement and Ziehl-Neelsen staining, highlighting the importance of controlled conditions for accurate ESR readings and step-by-step protocols for the microscopic examination of stained sputum smears.
Results: This chapter presents the findings of the study conducted on 128 subjects (73 males, 55 females) aged between 4 and 97. Of the 128 samples, 8 (6.25%) were positive for pulmonary tuberculosis, all exhibiting elevated ESR. A significant percentage (77.3%) of the samples showed elevated ESR without evidence of tuberculosis. The results demonstrate a correlation between elevated ESR and age. The chapter presents this data in tabular and graphical formats (though the tables themselves aren't included here due to the limitations in available text), summarizing the distribution of normal and increased ESR values across various age groups.
Keywords
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, ESR, Diagnostic Index, Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Ziehl-Neelsen Staining, Westergreen Method, Prognostic Index, Clinical Utility, Diagnosis, Tuberculosis, Age, Sex.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Study on the Clinical Utility of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in Diagnosing Pulmonary Tuberculosis
What is the main objective of this study?
The study aimed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test in diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis. It investigated whether ESR could serve as a reliable diagnostic indicator for this disease.
What key themes are explored in this research?
The research explores the diagnostic value of ESR in pulmonary tuberculosis, the influence of various factors (like age and gender) on ESR results, a comparison of ESR with other diagnostic methods, the limitations of using ESR alone for diagnosis, and the correlation between ESR and age in relation to tuberculosis.
What methodology was used in the study?
The study involved collecting venous blood and sputum samples from 128 subjects with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis. ESR was measured using the Westergreen-Katz method, and Ziehl-Neelsen staining was used to detect Koch's bacillus (the bacteria that causes tuberculosis) in the sputum. The procedures for both ESR measurement and Ziehl-Neelsen staining are detailed in the methodology chapter.
What were the key findings of the study?
The study, involving 128 subjects (73 males, 55 females) aged 4 to 97, found that all 8 (6.25%) tuberculosis-positive samples showed elevated ESR. However, a significant percentage (77.3%) of samples with elevated ESR did not have tuberculosis. A correlation between elevated ESR and age was also observed. The exact numerical data and graphical representations are not included in this preview.
What are the limitations of using ESR to diagnose pulmonary tuberculosis?
The study highlights that a high percentage of individuals with elevated ESR did not have tuberculosis, indicating that ESR alone cannot reliably diagnose the disease. Further investigation and the use of other diagnostic methods are necessary for accurate diagnosis.
What is the significance of the Westergreen method and Ziehl-Neelsen staining in this study?
The Westergreen-Katz method was used for measuring ESR, a well-established technique. Ziehl-Neelsen staining was used to microscopically identify the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Koch's bacillus) in sputum samples, confirming the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis.
What factors influence the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)?
Several factors can influence ESR results, including rouleaux formation, red blood cell concentration, plasma viscosity, and the properties of the sedimentation tube. The study also considers the influence of age and gender.
What are the key words associated with this research?
Key words include: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), Diagnostic Index, Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Ziehl-Neelsen Staining, Westergreen Method, Prognostic Index, Clinical Utility, Diagnosis, Tuberculosis, Age, Sex.
What is included in the Table of Contents?
The table of contents includes: Acknowledgment, Abstract, Introduction, Methodology, Results, Discussion and Conclusion, and References.
Where can I find more detailed information about this study?
This preview provides a summary of the study. For complete details including tables and figures, please refer to the full publication.
- Quote paper
- Peter Ubah Okeke (Author), 2011, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate: Is It An Important Diagnostic Index For Pulmonary Tuberculosis?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/183069
