An Assessment of C-Reactive Protein and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in Ruling Out Acute Infectious Spinal Pathology in Emergency Department Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Acute infectious spinal pathologies (AISP), including discitis, osteomyelitis, spinal epidural abscess, and septic arthritis are rare, carry significant morbidity and mortality, and are difficult to diagnose. C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are frequently elevated in AISP, although there are no consensus recommendations on using them. This retrospective study aims to calculate the biomarkers' sensitivity to rule out AISP.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed emergency department patients from a national hospital system database over 4 years who presented with spinal pain, had inflammatory biomarkers drawn, and had a spinal magnetic resonance imaging. We collected all International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision diagnosi

SUBMITTER: Gutovitz S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12274914 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature