Retrospective study finds ESR/CRP testing overused in pediatric ED

A 1-year retrospective study examined ESR and CRP testing patterns in children evaluated at an urban Children's Hospital emergency department. The study reported these tests were frequently ordered in patients who already had clinically evident diagnoses, with no cases of occult bacteremia identified; CRP outperformed ESR as a predictor of bacterial infection but had a positive likelihood ratio of only 2.1, and combined testing offered limited incremental diagnostic value. The authors concluded that ESR and CRP testing are currently overused in this setting, providing limited diagnostic value while adding unnecessary hospital cost.

Most relevant for: Clinicians evaluating febrile children in the pediatric emergency department setting.

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