Which pattern distinguishes inflammatory arthritis from osteoarthritis in laboratory testing?

Which pattern distinguishes inflammatory arthritis from osteoarthritis in laboratory testing?

• A. Elevated ESR/CRP with inflammatory-type symptoms.
• B. Normal ESR/CRP with inflammatory-type symptoms.
• C. Elevated ESR/CRP with OA symptoms.
• D. ESR/CRP levels are irrelevant.

Answer: (A)

Elevated ESR and CRP together with inflammatory-type joint symptoms point to inflammatory arthritis rather than osteoarthritis. ESR and CRP are acute-phase reactants that rise when systemic inflammation is active, as seen in conditions like rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis. Osteoarthritis, by contrast, is primarily degenerative and usually does not drive a significant systemic inflammatory response, so these markers are typically normal or only mildly elevated. In some cases, inflammatory markers can be normal if the disease is inactive or treated, but the common pattern that distinguishes inflammatory arthritis is high ESR/CRP with inflammatory symptoms.