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Updated: May 21, 2026
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Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing
Published on: December 11, 2017
Association between red blood cell distribution width and response to cardiac resynchronization therapy
Umut Celikyurt1, Aysen Agacdiken, Tayfun Sahin
1Department of Cardiology, Medical Faculty, Kocaeli University, Umuttepe Yerleskesi, 41380, Kocaeli, Turkey. ycelikyurt@gmail.com
Summary
Elevated red blood cell distribution width (RDW) at baseline predicts poor response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). This simple RDW measurement can help identify patients unlikely to benefit from CRT.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hematology
Background:
- Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a known predictor of adverse outcomes in heart failure patients.
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a treatment option for heart failure patients with specific electrical conduction abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prognostic value of RDW in predicting response to CRT.
- To determine if baseline RDW levels can identify patients who will not respond to CRT.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 66 heart failure patients undergoing CRT was studied.
- Hematological and echocardiographic parameters, including RDW and left ventricular ejection fraction, were measured before and 6 months after CRT.
- Response to CRT was defined as a ≥15% increase in left ventricular ejection fraction.
Main Results:
- 71% of patients (47/66) responded to CRT.
- Patients with high baseline RDW were more likely to be non-responders (52% vs. 23%).
- Baseline RDW was the only significant independent predictor of CRT response (OR 1.435, p=0.020).
Conclusions:
- Elevated baseline RDW is associated with a poor response to CRT.
- RDW measurement at baseline may serve as a valuable tool to identify patients unlikely to benefit from CRT.
- Further research could explore mechanisms linking RDW and CRT response.
