Relationship between red cell distribution width and contrast-induced nephropathy in patients who underwent primary

Dursun Çayan Akkoyun1, Aydın Akyüz1, Ömer Kurt2

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Namik Kemal University Faculty of Medicine, Tekirdag, Turkey.

Insights

Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a predictor of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Higher RDW levels indicate increased risk for CIN, alongside diabetes and reduced kidney function.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Nephrology
  • Biomarkers

Background:

  • Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a complication following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
  • Identifying predictors of CIN is crucial for patient management and risk stratification.
  • Red cell distribution width (RDW) is an emerging biomarker associated with various cardiovascular conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between red cell distribution width (RDW) and the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN).
  • To evaluate RDW as a potential predictor of CIN in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary PCI.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 359 STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI was analyzed.
  • CIN was defined as a 25% increase in serum creatinine or >0.5 mg/dL increase from baseline within 48 hours.
  • Red cell distribution width (RDW) levels were measured and compared between CIN-positive and CIN-negative groups.

Main Results:

  • 13.8% of patients developed CIN.
  • CIN-positive patients exhibited significantly higher RDW values compared to CIN-negative patients (16.9% vs 14.8%, p<0.001).
  • Independent predictors of CIN included diabetes mellitus, high RDW, low baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR), elevated ∆-creatinine, and increased contrast media volume.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated red cell distribution width (RDW) is an independent predictor of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in STEMI patients undergoing PCI.
  • Other significant predictors include diabetes mellitus, low baseline GFR, and the amount of contrast media used.
  • RDW may serve as a valuable biomarker for assessing CIN risk in this patient population.
Abstract