Red cell distribution width and outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Biomarkers
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) prognosis is crucial for patient management.
• Red cell distribution width (RDW) has been implicated in various diseases and mortality.
• RDW's role as an independent predictor of AIS severity and outcomes requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate Red cell distribution width (RDW) as an independent predictor of functional outcome and 90-day mortality in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients.

Main Methods:

• Patients with AIS were stratified into four groups based on admission Red cell distribution width (RDW) quartiles.
• Functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale) and 90-day mortality were assessed prospectively.
• Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed, controlling for potential confounders.

Main Results:

• Higher Red cell distribution width (RDW) quartiles were associated with older age, lower hemoglobin, and higher C-reactive protein and BNP levels.
• Univariate analysis suggested an association between the highest RDW quartile and poorer functional outcome and mortality, but this was not significant.
• Multivariate analysis, after adjusting for confounders, showed no significant association between Red cell distribution width (RDW) and functional independence or 90-day mortality.

Conclusions:

• Red cell distribution width (RDW) is not an independent predictor of functional outcome or 90-day mortality in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients.
• The prognostic value of Red cell distribution width (RDW) in AIS requires further validation, as it did not hold significance after adjusting for confounding variables.