Red blood cell distribution width - A novel marker of inflammation and predictor of complications and outcomes among surgically managed patients

Abstract

Background: Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is considered a marker of chronic inflammation and a predictor of poor outcome in seriously ill patients. This study is aimed to recognize RDW as a marker of inflammatory pathology and as a predictor of various postoperative complications and outcomes in terms of mortality. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of all surgical patients retrieved from our prospectively collected database. RDW was studied as a marker of inflammatory pathology and as a predictor of various postoperative complications and outcomes in terms of mortality. Results: We analyzed 146 (99 males and 47 females) patients who were managed surgically for their presenting diseases. The mean age of presentation was 42.7 + 17.9 years. RDW was considered high when it was above 16%. RDW was observed to be high in 57 of 146 patients (39%). A significant correlation was found between elevated RDW and underlying inflammatory pathology (P 16%) and postoperative complications and 30-day mortality. Strong correlation was also found between increased RDW and existing inflammatory pathology. RDW could be a useful indicator of chronic health state and practical addition to existing risk stratification strategy and decision-making process.

Keywords

• 30-day mortality
• chronic inflammation
• postoperative complications