Prognostic value of red cell distribution width in patients with organophosphate poisoning

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the prognostic value of red cell distribution width (RDW) and other hematological parameters measured on admission to the emergency department in patients with organophosphate poisoning. Materials and Methods: All patients aged ≥15 years who were admitted to the emergency department from 2008 to 2013 on account of organophosphate poisoning were included in the study. The written and electronic medical charts of the patients were reviewed. Hematological parameters were recorded. Mechanical ventilation requirement was used as the primary endpoint. Results: A total of 72 patients were included in the study for evaluation. Mechanically ventilated patients had significantly higher leukocyte counts and RDW levels than non-ventilated patients (p=0.004 and p<0.001, respectively). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of RDW levels for predicting mechanical ventilation requirement was 0.716 (95% CI: 0.581-0.852, p=0.010). RDW had a sensitivity of 73%, specificity of 70%, and negative predictive value of 91% with a cut-off value of 14.5% in predicting mechanical ventilation requirement in patients with organophosphate poisoning. Conclusion: RDW can be a valuable and easy-to-use parameter in estimating prognosis in the follow-up of patients with organophosphate poisoning. (JAEM 2015; 14: 65-9)