An erythrocyte sedimentation rate is often performed in children with nonspecific but potentially serious symptoms. Recently Huttenlocher and Newman⁽¹⁾ published likelihood ratios for serious illness for 233 children with abdominal pain, fever, or limp. Overall, the risk of serious illness ranged from 8% in those with ESR < 20 to 78% in those with ESR > 100. Likelihood ratios for serious illness by presenting symptom are below:

Serious illnesses were those that carried a significant risk of death or disability, including systemic JRA, osteomyelitis, pyelonephritis, appendicitis, leukemia, etc. (There was 100% agreement between the authors on a sample of 20 patients.)

1. Huttenlocher A, Newman TB. Evaluation of erythrocyte sedimentation rates in children presenting with limp, fever, or abdominal pain. Clinical Pediatrics, 1997 (June) 339-44.