Use of multiple inflammatory marker tests in primary care: using Clinical Practice Research Datalink to evaluate accuracy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Research comparing C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and plasma viscosity (PV) in primary care is lacking. Clinicians often test multiple inflammatory markers, leading to concerns about overuse.

Aim

To compare the diagnostic accuracies of CRP, ESR, and PV, and to evaluate whether measuring two inflammatory markers increases accuracy.

Design and setting

Prospective cohort study in UK primary care using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink.

Method

The authors compared diagnostic test performance of inflammatory markers, singly and paired, for relevant disease, defined as any infections, autoimmune conditions, or cancers. For each of the three tests (CRP, ESR, and PV), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value

SUBMITTER: Watson J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6582449 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature