Association of red cell distribution width and D-dimer levels with intracranial hemorrhage in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis

Abstract

BackgroundPatients with cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) are at risk of developing intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Considering the association between ICH and a poor outcome, identifying risk factors for ICH in patients with CVT is of great importance. MethodsIn this observational, retrospective, and double-center research over 3 years at Tongji and Union Hospital, red cell distribution width (RDW) and D-dimer levels were assessed in 117 adult patients with a diagnosis of CVT. Demographics, clinical presentation, imaging evaluation, laboratory results, and outcomes were analyzed. ResultsIn univariate analysis, RDW (odds ratio [OR] 1.30, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.09–1.55, P < 0.001) and D-dimer (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.13–1.59, P = 0.01) levels were associated with the risk of ICH in patients with CVT. In multivariate analysis, RDW (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.09–1.58, P < 0.001) and D-dimer (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.1–1.6, P < 0.001) levels were independently associated with the risk of ICH in patients with CVT after correction for time of onset and white blood cell count. ConclusionElevated RDW and D-dimer levels were associated with an increased risk of ICH in patients with CVT. Further research should be undertaken to investigate their value in predicting CVT-related ICH.