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What Does This Blood Test Report Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 20 Nov 2014

Question: Hello,

My father has been suffering from acute arthritis. He is aged around 60 years. He underwent knee replacement surgery for both knees around 20-25 days back. He was discharged from the hospital withing 7-10 days.

There were some concerns around his left leg getting infection. I am attaching a the full report of the test done. Want an opinion on possibility of any infection.

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Finding are suggestive of Inflammation

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query and understand your concern. The blood report (CRP/ESR) is suggestive of inflammation anywhere in the body.
How much is the pain in the left knee? Is he able to sleep? The answers to these questions are important as pain is the best marker of Infection as compare to fever.
My suggestion would be -
1. Rest to knee joint
2. Repeat CRP and ESR after starting the antibiotics preferably inject able every 3rd day. As progressive rise or fall of CRP is the best indicator of any response to treatment (Antibiotics).
3. Complete blood count, Malaria and typhoid test.
Hope this answers your query. Wishing your father early recovery and best health.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (1 hour later)

Thanks for your reponse

1) I wanted to understand how serious is the infection?

2) Currently my father is in hospital - however the doctor who has operated him for arthritis has suggested that he can go home. (Since we an out station patient would you suggest staying in hospital for longer period of time / returning home)

3) Are there any other tests which you suggest

Regards

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Looks to be mild infection;better stay in hospital

Detailed Answer:
Hello
You are welcome. It’s good to see you.
As the CRP is mildly raised and the treating doctor is giving you permission to get discharge, it looks to be mild infection.
Please tell me how much is the pain at knee?
Regarding getting discharge from the hospital and since you are an out station patient, I would advise you to remain in hospital for another few days (3-5) till your father is comfortable.
You may have the blood test as discussed earlier.
All the best.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (37 hours later)

Dear XXXXXXX

As suggested by you, I got a second round of test done and
1) Current - readings are CRP - 0.7 and ESR 46.
2) Previous reading was CRP -1.6 and ESR 57 taken 4-5 days before.
These levels are lower than the previous test.

What is your reading of the situation and what do you suggest way forward?

Regards
XXXXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I am happy;how much is the pain?

Detailed Answer:
Hello
I am happy to hear that CRP has come down,but how much is the pain? If you feel, your father is comfortable then no harm in getting discharge from hospital.
Wishing him good health.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (17 hours later)

There is no pain to very less pain when he walks..

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
That's really nice

Detailed Answer:
Hello
That's really good to hear.It is a good sign and infection is mild and superficial.
God bless him.
For any future queries you may log in at-
http://bit.ly/drmchugh

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar