Preliver transplant red cell distribution width predicts postliver transplant mortality

Area of Science:

• Transplantation Medicine
• Hematology
• Clinical Prognostication

Background:

• Prognosis after liver transplantation remains challenging.
• Red cell distribution width (RDW) is linked to poor outcomes in various conditions.
• The predictive role of RDW in liver transplant recipients is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between pre-transplant Red cell distribution width (RDW) and one-year mortality in liver transplant recipients.
• To determine if RDW can serve as a prognostic marker for post-liver transplantation outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of liver transplant recipients (2012-2012).
• Primary endpoint: association of RDW with one-year mortality.
• Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney, t-tests, regression, and AUC for discrimination.

Main Results:

• RDW showed a significant positive association with one-year mortality (P<.001).
• Mean RDW was 3.9% higher in non-survivors versus survivors.
• RDW demonstrated strong predictive value (AUC=0.831), outperforming total bilirubin and INR.

Conclusions:

• This study is the first to report an association between RDW and post-liver transplantation mortality.
• Pre-transplant RDW is a valuable predictor of one-year mortality following liver transplantation.
• RDW may enhance prognostication in liver transplant candidates.