Elevated Red Blood Cell Distribution Width Research Articles

Identification of red blood cell distribution width as a prognostic factor in acute myeloid leukemia

Many prognostic factors have been identified in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this study, we investigated novel prognostic biomarkers using machine learning and Cox regression models in a prospective cohort of 591 patients with AML and tried to identify potential therapeutic targets based on transcriptomic data. We found that elevated red blood cell distribution width (RDW) at diagnosis was an adverse prognostic factor for AML, independent of the 2022 European LeukemiaNet (ELN2022) genetic risk. As a continuous variable, higher RDW was associated with shorter overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR] 1.087, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.036-1.139, p < 0.001) and event-free survival (EFS) (HR 1.078, 95% CI 1.033-1.124, p < 0.001). Elevated RDW returned to normal after consolidation therapy, which indicated that leukemia cells resulted in abnormal RDW. We further investigated the relationship between RDW and transcriptome in another cohort of 191 patients with AML and public datasets using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and cell-type identification by estimating relative subsets of RNA transcripts (CIBERSORT). We found that patients in the high-RDW group were significantly enriched in the positive regulation of erythroid differentiation and inflammation-related pathways. Finally, we identified the inflammation-associated gene IL12RB2 and verified its prognostic relevance with patients with AML in public databases, suggesting it as a potential therapy target.

Association Between the Red Blood Cell Distribution Width and 30-Day Mortality in Intensive Care Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Observational Study Based on the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV Database.

Millions of patients undergo cardiac surgery each year. The red blood cell distribution width (RDW) could help predict the prognosis of patients who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass surgery. We investigated whether the RDW has robust predictive value for the 30-day mortality among patients in an intensive care unit (ICU) after undergoing cardiac surgery. Using the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV Database, we retrieved data for 11,634 patients who underwent cardiac surgery in an ICU. We performed multivariate Cox regression analysis to model the association between the RDW and 30-day mortality and plotted Kaplan-Meier curves. Subgroup analyses were stratified using relevant covariates. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the predictive value of the RDWs. The total 30-day mortality rate was 4.2% (485/11,502). The elevated-RDW group had a higher 30-day mortality rate than the normal-RDW group (P<0.001). The robustness of our data analysis was confirmed by performing subgroup analyses. Each unit increase in the RDW was associated with a 17% increase in 30-day mortality when the RDW was used as a continuous variable (adjusted hazard ratio=1.17, 95% confidence interval, 1.10-1.25). Our ROC results showed the predictive value of the RDW. An elevated RDW was associated with a higher 30-day mortality in patients after undergoing cardiac surgery in an ICU setting. The RDW can serve as an efficient and accessible method for predicting the mortality of patients in ICUs following cardiac surgery.

Immune Dysfunction-Associated Elevated RDW, APACHE-II, and SOFA Scores Were a Possible Cause of 28-Day Mortality in Sepsis Patients.

To explore the early predictors and their predicting value of 28-day mortality in sepsis patients and to investigate the possible causes of death. 127 sepsis patients were included, including 79 cases in the survival group and 48 cases in the death group. The results of all patients on admission were recorded. After screening the risk factors of 28-day mortality, the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to determine their predictive value for the 28-day mortality rate on admission, and the Kaplan-Meier curve was drawn to compare the 28-day mortality rate between groups. Finally, patients with cytokine and lymphocyte subsets results were included for investigating the possible causes of death through correlation analysis. APACHE II (acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II), SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) were the risk factors for 28-day mortality in sepsis patients (OR: 1.130 vs.1.160 vs.1.530, P < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity of APACHE II, SOFA and RDW in predicting the mortality rate at 28 days after admission in sepsis patients were 0.763 vs 0.806 vs 0.723, 79.2% vs 68.8% vs 75.0%, 65.8% vs 89.9% vs 68.4%. The combined predicted AUC was 0.873, the sensitivity was 89.6%, and the specificity was 82.3%. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that the 28-day mortality rates of sepsis patients with APACHE II≥18.5, SOFA≥11.5 and RDW≥13.8 were 58.5%, 80.5% and 59.0%, respectively. In the death group, APACHE II was positively correlated with SOFA, IL-2, and IL-10, and RDW was positively correlated with PLT, TNF-α, CD3+ lymphocyte count, and CD8+ lymphocyte count. Sepsis patients with high APACHE II, SOFA and RDW levels at admission have an increased 28-day mortality rate. The elevation of these indicators in dead patients are related to immune dysfunction.

Dual nature of ferritin for hematologic, liver functional, and metabolic parameters in older diabetic patients

This study explored the association between ferritin with hematologic, liver functional, and metabolic parameters in older diabetic patients. A total of 210 diabetic patients aged 65 or older were classified into four groups according to the reference range of serum ferritin. Demographic variables and health-related lifestyle factors were obtained through the utilization of a standardized questionnaire. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, hematology test, and biochemical assessment were also performed. Among all patients, 29.5% had anemia. The percentage of anemia in groups low ferritin (< 40 μg/L), lower side within the reference range (40–120 μg/L), higher side within the reference range (121–200 μg/L), and high ferritin levels (> 200 μg/L) were 50.0, 27.7, 20.5, and 24.2% (P = 0.025), respectively. Low ferritin levels had a higher risk of anemia and a high red blood cell distribution width (RDW). High ferritin levels were associated with a higher risk of high glutamate pyruvate transaminase, obesity, high fasting blood glucose (FBG), and high postprandial blood glucose. The higher side within the reference range of ferritin also showed a higher risk of high FBG and high glycated hemoglobin. Nevertheless, there was no significant association between ferritin and inflammation marker, serum lipids or blood pressure. Overall, ferritin demonstrates a dual nature in older diabetic patients: low ferritin levels are linked to anemia or elevated RDW, while high levels are linked to obesity, increased liver enzymes, and worse glycemia control.

Red Blood Cell Distribution Width: A Potential Inexpensive Marker for Disease Activity in Patients with Rheumatic Diseases; Scoping Review.

Rheumatic diseases encompass a diverse group of autoimmune disorders that affect the joints and connective tissues. The red blood cell distribution width (RDW) has been widely investigated as an inflammatory marker. This scoping review aimed to explore the potential utility of RDW as an inexpensive marker for disease activity in patients with rheumatic diseases. By summarizing the available evidence, we aimed to determine whether RDW can serve as a reliable and accessible indicator of disease activity in these patients. A comprehensive search was systematically performed across electronic databases, encompassing PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Studies have explored the relationship between RDW and disease activity in rheumatic diseases. Data extraction focused on the study characteristics, methodologies, and findings related to RDW as a disease activity marker. After removing duplicates, the initial search yielded 25 relevant studies. These studies encompassed a variety of rheumatic diseases, with rheumatoid arthritis being the most frequently studied condition. The association between RDW and disease activity was assessed by using various disease activity indices and clinical parameters. While some studies have reported a significant correlation between elevated RDW and disease activity, others have yielded inconclusive results. From this review, we concluded that RDW is an inexpensive potential marker for the evaluation of disease activity in rheumatic diseases. RDW is promising as an inexpensive and readily available marker; however, its clinical utility in assessing disease activity in rheumatic conditions warrants more rigorous investigation through well-designed prospective studies.

Association of red blood cell distribution width with hospital admission and in-hospital mortality across all-cause adult emergency department visits.

To test the association between the initial red blood cell distribution width (RDW) value in the emergency department (ED) and hospital admission and, among those admitted, in-hospital mortality. We perform a retrospective analysis of 210 930 adult ED visits with complete blood count results from March 2013 to February 2022. Primary outcomes were hospital admission and in-hospital mortality. Variables for each visit included demographics, comorbidities, vital signs, basic metabolic panel, complete blood count, and final diagnosis. The association of each outcome with the initial RDW value was calculated across 3 age groups (<45, 45-65, and >65) as well as across 374 diagnosis categories. Logistic regression (LR) and XGBoost models using all variables excluding final diagnoses were built to test whether RDW was a highly weighted and informative predictor for each outcome. Finally, simplified models using only age, sex, and vital signs were built to test whether RDW had additive predictive value. Compared to that of discharged visits (mean [SD]: 13.8 [2.03]), RDW was significantly elevated in visits that resulted in admission (15.1 [2.72]) and, among admissions, those resulting in intensive care unit stay (15.3 [2.88]) and/or death (16.8 [3.25]). This relationship held across age groups as well as across various diagnosis categories. An RDW >16 achieved 90% specificity for hospital admission, while an RDW >18.5 achieved 90% specificity for in-hospital mortality. LR achieved a test area under the curve (AUC) of 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77-0.78) for hospital admission and 0.85 (95% CI 0.81-0.88) for in-hospital mortality, while XGBoost achieved a test AUC of 0.90 (95% CI 0.89-0.90) for hospital admission and 0.96 (95% CI 0.94-0.97) for in-hospital mortality. RDW had high scaled weights and information gain for both outcomes and had additive value in simplified models predicting hospital admission. Elevated RDW, previously associated with mortality in myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, heart failure, sepsis, and COVID-19, is associated with hospital admission and in-hospital mortality across all-cause adult ED visits. Used alone, elevated RDW may be a specific, but not sensitive, test for both outcomes, with multivariate LR and XGBoost models showing significantly improved test characteristics. RDW, a component of the complete blood count panel routinely ordered as the initial workup for the undifferentiated patient, may be a generalizable biomarker for acuity in the ED.

Assessment of Red Cell Distribution Width among Sudanese Patients with Subclinical Hypothyroidism

Background: Thyroid dysfunction has a strong association with anemia. Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) was traditionally regarded as a part of the routine evaluation of anemia. Several studies have indicated that elevated RDW level is significantly associated with subclinical hypothyroidism and hypothyroidism. The present study aimed to assess the impact of subclinical hypothyroidism (SHT) on RDW in Sudanese patients. Methods and Results: The study was designed as a case-control, laboratory-based study carried out at the National Cancer Institute – University of Gezira (NCI-UG) (Wad Medani, Gezira State, Sudan) from January to October 2020.The samples were collected randomly from 100 subjects: 50 patients (mean age 38.50±10.46 years; 36% males and 64% females) with hypothyroidism (case group) and 50 apparently healthy individuals (mean age 35.52±11.64 years; 46% males and 54% females) (control group). The case group was divided into 2 subgroups: Sub1 included 43(86%) patients with SHT grade 1 (TSH of 6-10μIU/mL), and Sub2 included 7(14%) patients with SHT grade 2 (TSH&gt;10μIU/mL). A 3ml venous blood sample was collected in an EDTA container from each participant. The parameters of the RBCs (RBC count, MCV, RDW-CV, and RDW-SD) were measured using the Sysmex XP-300 Automated Hematology Analyzer. In the case group, the average levels of RDW-SD, RDW-CV, and MCV were higher than in the control group (P=0.000 in all cases). There was a significant difference in RDW-CV between Sub1 and Sub2 (P=0.040). We found no significant differences in RDW-SD and RDW-CV between different age groups. There was a significant difference in RBC count between different age groups (P=0.022), and significant differences in RBC count and MCV between males and females. RDW-SD and RDW-CV had a significant positive correlation within TSH and a significant negative correlation within T3 and T4. Conclusion: RDW-CV may be used as a marker of SHT grade 2.

Application of Hematologic Indices for Diagnosis of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnancy [ID: 1378030

INTRODUCTION: Prenatal care providers may omit iron studies if the complete blood count is suggestive of mild or moderate iron deficiency anemia (MMIDA). We investigated how sensitive the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) or red blood cell distribution width (RDW) are in identifying MMIDA that is diagnosed by ferritin measurement. METHODS: This IRB-approved retrospective cohort study from October 15, 2007 to October 14, 2021, included singleton pregnancies diagnosed with MMIDA and treated with iron for at least 4 weeks prior to delivery. Patients with comorbidities that predispose to anemia (eg, thalassemia) were excluded. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients whose MMIDA could be identified by low MCV or elevated RDW. Secondary outcomes included changes in hemoglobin, MCV, and RDW, and were assessed by persistence versus correction of MMIDA by delivery. RESULTS: Eight thousand eight hundred thirty-three patients met criteria; 1,141 (12.9%) had MMIDA diagnosed by low ferritin. The MCV or RDW was concordant with MMIDA diagnosis in 259 (22.7%). Hemoglobin significantly improved from 10.6 to 11.8 g/dL in the corrected group and did not change in the persistent group. Treatment with concurrent oral and IV iron resulted in greater hemoglobin increase (persistent, +0.4, versus corrected, +1.9 g/dL) versus oral iron alone (−0.1 versus +1.3 g/dL). The MCV decreased and RDW increased in both persistent (−2.7 fL, +1.0%) and corrected groups (−0.8 fL, +0.7%). CONCLUSION: Thirteen percent of providers ordered iron studies when MMIDA was suspected. Low MCV or elevated RDW are insensitive surrogates of ferritin. Iron studies remain the gold standard for diagnosis. Concurrent IV iron results in superior improvement of hemoglobin versus oral iron alone.

Association between red blood cell distribution width and ischemic stroke recurrence in patients with acute ischemic stroke: a 10-years retrospective cohort analysis

Numerous studies have reported that a higher red blood cell distribution width (RDW) level was associated with adverse outcomes in patients with the first stroke. However, no studies have examined the association between RDW and recurrent ischemic stroke. We performed a population-based cohort data analysis from 2007 to 2017. Baseline RDW was measured in 6402 first ischemic stroke participants, who were followed for about five years on average. During 62 months of median follow-up, 205 participants (3.20%) reported a recurrence (self-reported). RDW showed a nonlinear relationship with the risk of ischemic stroke recurrence. When RDW was assessed as quartiles (quartile 1, RDW<12.4; quartile 2, 12.4 to 12.8; quartile 3,12.8 to 13.3, quartile4, RDW>13.3), compared with the reference group (quartile 1), the hazard ratios (HRs) of ischemic stroke recurrence were 1.372 (95% confidence interval [CI]=0.671-2.805, P=0.386) in quartile 2, 1.835 (95% CI=1.222-2.755, P=0.003) in quartile 3, and 1.732 (95% CI=1.114-2.561, P<0.001) in quartile 4. The trend test was significant (P<0.001). When quartiles 3 and 4 were combined, the adjusted HR of ischemic stroke recurrence was 1.439 (95% CI=1.330-1.556, P<0.001) compared with the combined quartiles 1 and 2 subgroups. This study demonstrated that elevated RDW levels were positively associated with an increased risk of recurrent ischemic stroke. RDW can provide a new perspective for initial risk assessment and identify high-risk patients early. Further research is required to confirm our results.

Higher Preoperative Red Blood Cell Distribution Width Increases the Risk of Myocardial Injury After Noncardiac Surgery in Advanced-Age Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) has been associated with worse outcomes. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between higher red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and postoperative 30-day MINS among advanced-age patients. This was a retrospective observational study including advanced-age patients (≥65 years old) who underwent noncardiac surgery between January 2017 and August 2019 at the First Medical Center of the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital. Patients were divided into two groups according to the cutoff value identified the lowest risk using Restricted Cubic Splines (RCS) model. The primary outcome was the incidence of MINS within 30 days after surgery. The relationship between RDW and MINS was investigated by univariable and multi-variable logistic regression analysis. Propensity score (PS) analysis, including propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW), as well as subgroup analysis were also conducted to identify the effect of RDW. The result of the RCS analysis showed that the risk of MINS in advanced-age patients increases when the baseline RDW is >12.8%. In the univariate analysis, baseline RDW >12.8% was a risk factor for postoperative MINS [odds ratio (OR)=2.11; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.83-2.44; p<0.001]. After adjustment for all possible components, there was also a high risk of MINS for patients with elevated RDW [Adjusted OR (aOR)=1.43; 95% CI: 1.27-1.61; p<0.001). The relationship remained after PS analysis (aOR=1.24; 95% CI: 1.04-1.47; p=0.016 in PSM; aOR=1.23; 95% CI: 1.05-1.44; p=0.012 in IPTW, respectively). Significant differences between two groups were established in the incidence rate of postoperative cardiac complications and mortality. Elevated preoperative RDW is significantly associated with an increased risk of MINS within postoperative 30 days.

The usefulness of red blood cell distribution width and its ratio with platelet count in breast cancer after surgery and adjuvant treatment: a retrospective study.

To date, red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and RDW-to-platelet count ratio (RPR) have been investigated for their association with cancer. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of RDW and RPR in breast cancer before and after treatment. We retrospectively enrolled 395 patients with breast cancer, who were diagnosed between December 2009 and December 2015 and analyzed the association between RDW, RPR, and long-term prognosis. We also compared the RDW and RPR values with the pathologic parameters of breast cancer. The cutoff values for before-treatment RDW, RPR value, after-treatment RDW, and RPR were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis by identifying the highest Youden index. In the before-treatment state, no significant disease-free survival (DFS) or overall survival (OS) was found in the RPR and RDW values. However, we found that elevated after-treatment RPR and RDW were significant prognostic factors for DFS, with hazard ratios (HRs) of 2.233 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.073-4.649; P=0.032] and 2.067 (95% CI: 1.085-3.937; P=0.027). Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that the after-treatment RPR and RDW groups had poor OS (HR =30.461; 95% CI: 5.138-180.575; P<0.001) compared with the lower after-treatment RPR and RDW groups. In particular, when the RPR and RDW were in the lower group before the treatment and became elevated after the treatment, it showed a remarkably significant result for OS, with HR 132.6 (95% CI: 3.689-4,767.341; P=0.007) and 10.119 (95% CI: 1.853-55.249; P=0.008). Thus, after-treatment RPR and RDW could have prognostic value for breast cancer after surgery and adjuvant treatment.

The Relation Between Red Blood Cell Distribution Width and Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaque Vulnerability Detected by Intracoronary Optical Coherence Tomography.

A higher red blood cell distribution width (RDW) predicts major adverse cardiac events in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, there are only a few studies regarding the relationship between RDW and vulnerable plaques. Thus, the purpose of the present study is to retrospectively explore the predictive value of the association between RDW and plaque vulnerability assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with cardiovascular (CV) diseases. This study included 35 patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP) and 70 patients with the acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We documented clinical features as well as peripheral RDW. Plaque vulnerability was determined by OCT. We defined thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) as a lipid-rich plaque (fibrous cap <65 μm thick). Plaque rupture was detected more frequently in patients with ACS compared with patients with SAP (62.9 vs. 2.9%, p<0.001, and the corresponding TCFA were 50.69±15.68 vs. 80.03±21.60 μm, p<0.001, respectively). A higher RDW was found in patients with ACS than in patients with SAP (p<0.001). A cut-off value of RDW >13.85% could detect ruptured plaque with a sensitivity of 72.3% and a specificity of 62%. TCFA and plaque rupture were detected more frequently in patients with ACS compared with SAP. Elevated RDW was positively the predictive value of the association between plaque vulnerability.

Elevated red cell distribution width predicts residual dizziness in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to determine whether residual dizziness (RD) after successful repositioning treatment in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) patients could be predicted by red blood cell distribution width (RDW).Materials and methodsIn this study, a total of 303 BBPV patients hospitalized at the neurology department were investigated. The enrolled patients were divided into two groups after successful repositioning treatment: non-RD group included patients who were completely cured, and RD group included patients with RD. We collected data on all subjects, including general information, blood routine examination, blood biochemical examination, and magnetic resonance imaging tests.ResultsThe mean RDW values of patients in the RD group were significantly higher than that in the non-RD group (13.63 ± 1.8 vs. 12.5 ± 0.8; p < 0.001). In subsequent multivariate analysis, elevated RDW levels were a statistically significant risk factor associated with the occurrence of RD [odds ratio = 2.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.88–3.64, p < 0.001]. The area under the ROC curve was 0.723 in terms of its predictive ability to distinguish patients with RD. A cut-off point of 12.95% of RDW predicted RD with a sensitivity of 75.6% and a specificity of 69.5%. Moreover, the AUC for the ability of the RDW to predict recurrence were 0.692 (95% CI = 0.561–0.831; p < 0.014).ConclusionsElevated RDW level was related to increased risk of RD among BPPV patients, requiring further efforts to clarify the actual underlying pathophysiology.

Red blood cell distribution width at admission predicts outcome in critically ill patients with kidney failure: a retrospective cohort study based on the MIMIC-IV database

Purpose We aimed to explore whether red blood cell distribution width (RDW) could serve as a biomarker to predict outcomes in critically ill patients with kidney failure in this study. Materials and methods This retrospective study was conducted with the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV).A total of 674 patients were divided into three groups based on tertiles of RDW. We used the generalized additive model, Kaplan–Meier curve, and Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate the association between RDW and clinical outcomes. We then performed subgroup analyses to investigate the stability of the associations between RDW and all-cause mortality. Results Nonlinear and J-shaped curves were observed in the generalized additive model. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that patients with elevated RDW had a lower survival rate. The Cox regression model indicated that high levels of RDW were most closely associated with ICU mortality and 30-day mortality (HR = 4.71, 95% CI: 1.69–11.64 and HR = 6.62, 95% CI: 2.84–15.41). Subgroup analyses indicated that the associations between RDW and all-cause mortality were stable. Conclusions Elevated levels of RDW were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, and RDW could be an independent prognostic factor for kidney failure.

Red Blood Cell Distribution Width Is Associated With Adverse Kidney Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease.

BackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health issue. Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a recently recognized potential inflammatory marker, which mirrors the variability in erythrocyte volume. Studies indicate that elevated RDW is associated with increased risk of mortality in CKD patients, while evidence regarding the impact of RDW on kidney outcome is limited.MethodsAltogether 523 patients with CKD stage 1–4 from a single center were enrolled. We identified the cutoff point for RDW level using maximally selected log-rank statistics. The time-averaged estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slope was determined using linear mixed effects models. Rapid CKD progression was defined by an eGFR decline >5 ml/min/1.73 m2/year. The composite endpoints were defined as doubling of serum creatinine, a 30% decline in initial eGFR or incidence of eGFR < 15 ml/min/1.73 m2, whichever occurred first. Multivariable logistic regression or Cox proportional hazards regression was performed, as appropriate.ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 26 [interquartile range (IQR): 12, 36] months, 65 (12.43%) patients suffered a rapid CKD progression and 172 (32.89%) composite kidney events occurred at a rate of 32.3/100 patient-years in the high RDW group, compared with 14.7/100 patient-years of the remainder. The annual eGFR change was clearly steeper in high RDW group {−3.48 [95% confidence interval (CI): −4.84, −2.12] ml/min/1.73 m2/year vs. −1.86 [95% CI: −2.27, −1.45] ml/min/1.73 m2/year among those with RDW of >14.5% and ≤14.5%, respectively, P for between-group difference <0.05}. So was the risk of rapid renal function loss (odds ratio = 6.79, 95% CI: 3.08–14.97) and composite kidney outcomes (hazards ratio = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.02–2.23). The significant association remained consistent in the sensitivity analysis.ConclusionIncreased RDW value is independently associated with accelerated CKD deterioration. Findings of this study suggest RDW be a potential indicator for risk of CKD progression.

Diagnostic accuracy of red blood cell distribution width for neonatal sepsis.

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of many diseases. However, the relevance between RDW and neonatal sepsis (NS) have not reached a consensus yet; the perform of RDW in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis is still not clear. The aim of this meta-analysis was to estimate the significance of RDW in neonatal sepsis and the perform of RDW in diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. We used Pubmed, Embase, Web of science, CNKI and Google academic database to find all articles that met the inclusion criteria until July 1, 2020. Fifteen eligible studies involving 1362 newborns were included in the meta-analysis after two independent investigators read the title, abstract and full text in detail. The pooled result of this meta-analysis showed that RDW was significantly higher in the NS group than in the control group (WMD=3.224; 95%CI: 2.359-4.090, P<0.001). In addition, the overall pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR and DOR were 0.88 (95%CI:0.66-0.96), 0.90 (95%CI:0.65-0.98), 9.2 (95%CI:2.1-40.3), 0.14(95%CI:0.04-0.43) and 66.9 (95%CI:8.73-513.26), respectively. The area under the SROC curve (AUC) was 0.95 (95%CI:0.93-0.96). The meta-analysis demonstrated that newborns with sepsis had an elevated RDW level than healthy controls. RDW levels have significant correlated with neonatal sepsis; and RDW can be used as a cheap and satisfactory diagnostic biomarker for neonatal sepsis with a relatively high performance.

Diagnostic Accuracy of the RDW for Predicting Death in COVID-19.

Background and Objectives: An association between high red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and mortality has been found in several diseases, including infection and sepsis. Some studies have aimed at determining the association of elevated RDW with adverse prognosis in COVID-19, but its usefulness has not been well established. The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of the RDW, measured at hospital admission and discharge, for predicting death in patients with COVID-19. Materials andMethods: An observational, retrospective, longitudinal, and analytical study was conducted in two different COVID-19 reference centers in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico. A total of 323 patients hospitalized by COVID-19 were included. Results: We found higher RDW levels at the time of hospital admission in the non-survivors group compared to levels in survivors (median = 13.6 vs. 13.0, p < 0.001). Final RDW levels were even higher in the deceased group when compared with those of survivors (median = 14.6 [IQR, 12.67–15.6] vs. 12.9 [IQR, 12.2–13.5], p < 0.001). For patients who died, an RDW > 14.5% was more common at the time of death than for patients who survived at the time of discharge (81 vs. 13 patients, p < 0.001; RR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.89–2.81). Conclusions: The RDW is an accessible and economical parameter that, together with other characteristics of the presentation and evolution of patients with COVID-19, can be helpful in determining the prognosis. An RDW that increases during hospitalization could be a more important mortality predictor than the RDW at hospital admission.

Clinical characteristics of geriatric patients with non-specific chronic low back pain

A comprehensive analysis of clinical information in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) was performed to clarify the clinical characteristics of geriatric LBP from the perspective of body composition, spinal alignment, and blood findings related to senescence. We enrolled 203 patients with an average age of 79.0 years (77 men and 126 women), with non-specific CLBP as a single-center prospective cohort study, the patients were compared with age- and sex-matched controls without CLBP using a propensity score-matching. We performed laboratory analysis, radiographic evaluations for global spinal parameter and lumbar degeneration, and body composition analysis using whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We observed a higher red blood cell distribution width (RDW) (p < 0.001), which is an index of aging, as well as a lower vitamin D level (p = 0.002), skeletal muscle mass index (p = 0.045) and a higher fat mass (p = 0.007) in patients with CLBP. Moreover, patients with geriatric CLBP had significantly lower lumbar lordosis (p = 0.024), and higher sagittal vertical axis (p = 0.006) was correlated with lower extremity and trunk muscle mass (p < 0.001), independent of lumbar degeneration. Geriatric patients with CLBP have sarcopenic fat accumulation and spinal sagittal malalignment with senescent status, such as elevated RDW and hypovitaminosis D.

Red Blood Cell Distribution Width in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), is causing dramatic morbidity and mortality worldwide. The Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (RDW) has been strongly associated with increased morbidity and mortality in multiple diseases.Objective: To assess if elevated RDW is associated with unfavorable outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19.Methods: We retrospectively studied clinical outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients for their RDW values. In-hospital mortality was defined as primary outcome, while septic shock, need for mechanical ventilation, and length of stay (LOS) were secondary outcomes.Results: A total of 294 COVID-19 patients were finally studied. Overall prevalence of increased RDW was 49.7% (146/294). RDW was associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality (aOR, 4.6; 95%CI, 1.5-14.6) and septic shock (aOR, 4.6; 95%CI, 1.4-15.1) after adjusting for anemia, ferritin, lactate, and absolute lymphocyte count. The association remained unchanged even after adjusting for other clinical confounders such as age, sex, body mass index, coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. No association was found instead with mechanical ventilation and median LOS.Conclusion: Elevated RDW in hospitalized COVID-19 patients is associated with a significantly increased risk of mortality and septic shock.

Omega-3 index is directly associated with a healthy red blood cell distribution width

Low red blood cell (RBC) membrane content of EPA and DHA, i.e., the omega-3 index (O3I), and elevated RBC distribution width (RDW) are risk factors for all-cause mortality. O3I and RDW are related with membrane fluidity and deformability. Our objective was to determine if there is a relationship between O3I and RDW in healthy adults. Subjects without inflammation or anemia, and with values for O3I, RDW, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), body mass index (BMI), age and sex were identified (n = 25,485) from a clinical laboratory dataset of > 45,000 individuals. RDW was inversely associated with O3I in both sexes before and after (both p < 0.00001) adjusting models for sex, age, BMI and CRP. Stratification by sex revealed a sex-O3I interaction with the RDW-O3I slope (p < 0.00066) being especially steep in females with O3I ≤ 5.6%. In healthy adults of both sexes, the data suggested that an O3I of > 5.6% may help maintain normal RBC structural and functional integrity.