Relationship Between the Reference Value of the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate of the Presenile Population and of Geographical Factors in China

In order to provide a scientific basis for a strictly medical comparison (a ‘unified standard’) of local reference values for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) among the presenile population in China, the reference values for ESR of healthy persons have been collected, the assays having been performed by the method of Wintrobe. The relationship between the reference value for ESR in the presenile population and geographical factors has been examined. Altitude was found to be the most important factor affecting the reference value for ESR in the presenile population; ESR reference values decrease as the altitude gradually increased, the relationship being highly significant. The method of stepwise regression analysis was used to deduce two regression equations, so that if the geographical factor value of a particular area in China is known, the national reference value for ESR in the presenile population can be calculated by means of these equations. Based on geographical factors, China can be divided into six districts: Qingzang, Southwest, Northwest, Southeast, North and Northeast.