Red Blood Cell Distribution Width as a Prognostic Marker in Sepsis
This narrative review synthesizes evidence on red blood cell distribution width as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in sepsis. Elevated RDW on admission is associated with unfavorable short- and long-term outcomes in both adults and neonates. While its diagnostic value for sepsis is limited, dynamic RDW changes during illness correlate with outcome, supporting its use as an accessible prognostic index in septic patients.
The original study
Diagnostic and prognostic value of red blood cell distribution width in sepsis: A narrative review.
- Authors
- Hu ZD, Lippi G, Montagnana M
- Journal
- Clinical biochemistry
- Type
- Journal Article, Review
- PMID
- 31935355
Original abstract
Previous studies showed that red blood cell distribution width (RDW) can be used as a prognostic and diagnostic index in various non-hematological diseases, including severe infections and sepsis. Here, we provide a narrative review to summarize the findings of available studies investigating the relationship between RDW and sepsis. Current evidence suggests that increased RDW on admission, both in adults and neonates, may be associated with unfavorable outcomes on the short- and long-term. In patients with suspected sepsis, RDW has modest value for predicting positive blood culture. Accordingly, its diagnostic value for sepsis seems limited, whilts dynamic changes of RDW are associated with outcome of sepsis. Taken together, these results suggest that RDW could be used as a prognostic index in septic patients.