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Red cell distribution width in migraine
A Celikbilek1, G Zararsiz, T Atalay
1Department of Neurology, Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey.
Introduction:
Several studies support the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of migraine. Red cell distribution width (RDW), a measure of heterogeneity in the size of circulating erythrocytes, is associated with adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure and stroke. This study was undertaken to assess the interrelationship between RDW and migraine.
Method:
Hundred migraine patients (52 with aura) and age- and sex-matched 100 control subjects were enrolled in the study. Migraine diagnosis was settled according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders-II diagnostic criteria, and each subject was evaluated in terms of headache characteristics including severity, frequency, duration of the migraine attack, and the duration of the disease. Routine hematological analysis was applied for both of the groups.
Results:
RDW was found to be significantly higher in patients with migraine than controls (P < 0.001). RDW was independently associated with migraine in multivariate model (P < 0.001). A cutoff value of 13.2 for RDW with a sensitivity of 0.69 (0.59-0.78) and a specificity of 0.61 (0.51-0.71) was obtained in the ROC analyses (κ = 0.300, P < 0.001). Clinical features, laboratory parameters, and headache characteristics did not significantly differ between the migraine patients with and without aura (P > 0.05). However, RDW was detected to positively correlate with attack duration in migraineurs (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Elevated RDW is associated with migraine requiring further efforts to clarify the actual underlying pathophysiology.
Insights
Elevated red cell distribution width (RDW) is linked to migraine. This measure of red blood cell size variation was significantly higher in migraine patients compared to controls, suggesting a potential biomarker for the condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Hematology
- Inflammation Research
Background:
- Migraine pathogenesis is linked to inflammation.
- Red cell distribution width (RDW) indicates erythrocyte size heterogeneity and is associated with adverse outcomes in other conditions.
- The relationship between RDW and migraine requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the association between RDW and migraine.
- To determine if RDW can serve as a diagnostic marker for migraine.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 100 migraine patients and 100 matched controls.
- Diagnosis of migraine followed the International Classification of Headache Disorders-II criteria.
- Standard hematological analysis was performed, and headache characteristics were recorded.
Main Results:
- Migraine patients exhibited significantly higher RDW levels than controls (P < 0.001).
- RDW was independently associated with migraine in a multivariate model (P < 0.001).
- A cutoff RDW of 13.2 showed moderate sensitivity and specificity for migraine detection. RDW correlated positively with migraine attack duration.
Conclusions:
- Elevated RDW is associated with migraine.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying pathophysiology linking RDW and migraine.
