High red cell distribution width as a prognostic indicator in heart failure

Red cell distribution width (RDW) measures the red blood cell size variation. Elevated RDW has been associated with various adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular diseases.

To analyze current evidence on the prognostic significance of high RDW in patients with heart failure (HF).

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar, up to May 2024. Studies were included if they investigated the relationship between RDW levels and outcomes in HF patients. Compared to those in the lowest quartile. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Compared to those in the lowest quartile. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I ² statistic, we assessed the impact of individual studies on the overall estimate using a leave-one-out sensitivity analysis and publication bias was evaluated through a contour-enhanced funnel plot and Luis Furuya-Kanamori (LFK) index.

Seven studies, including a total of 11460 HF patients, were analyzed. The participants' mean age varied between 60 years and 80 years, with 6562 (57.26%) in the lower quartile. Patients in the highest quartile of RDW (> 15.21%) had a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality, with an odds ratio of 1.84 (95%CI: 1.31-2.57, P < 0.001), compared to those in the lowest quartile (RDW: 14.1%-15.20%). There was significant variability in the included studies' results (I ² = 93%, P < 0.01), as well as potential publication bias suggested by the high LFK index (8.47). Sensitivity analysis reinforced the robustness of these findings, showing that the results were not unduly influenced by any single study.

This meta-analysis confirms that high RDW is a robust predictor of adverse outcomes in patients with HF, highlighting its potential utility as a simple, cost-effective biomarker for risk stratification. Future research should focus on elucidating the mechanisms underlying this association and exploring the potential benefits of RDW-guided therapeutic strategies in HF management.