# Evaluation of serial erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein monitoring in infectious disease outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy patients

## TL;DR

A study found that blood tests like ESR and CRP rarely influenced treatment decisions for outpatient antibiotic therapy and may add unnecessary costs.

## Contribution

The study identifies a potential for cost savings by reducing unnecessary ESR and CRP monitoring in infectious disease outpatient care.

## Key findings

- Only 12.5% of patients had clinical decisions influenced by ESR or CRP.
- Unnecessary ESR/CRP monitoring added $530 per treatment course.
- The average treatment duration was 5.1 weeks.

## Abstract

Of 313 patients whose outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy was managed by an ID physician, only 39 [12.5%, 95% CI (8.8%–16.1%)] had clinical decisions influenced by erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), or both. ESR/CRP ordering was associated with $530 in excess cost per treatment course (average duration 5.1 weeks) representing a diagnostic stewardship opportunity.