Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026

Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling
Published on: April 7, 2015
Association between red cell index and stroke-associated pneumonia
Ki-Woong Nam1,2, Hyung-Min Kwon1,2, Yong-Seok Lee3,4
1Department of Neurology, Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, 20 Boramae-ro 5-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 07061, South Korea.
The red cell index (RCI) can help predict stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. Higher RCI levels indicate a greater risk of SAP and worse patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
Background:
- Stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) is a frequent complication following acute ischemic stroke (AIS).
- Current predictive models for SAP lack objectivity and ease of application.
- There is a need for a more accessible marker to identify patients at risk of SAP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the red cell index (RCI) and the occurrence of SAP in AIS patients.
- To determine if RCI can serve as an independent predictor of SAP.
- To explore the relationship between RCI and patient outcomes in SAP.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 500 consecutive AIS patients.
- SAP diagnosis based on modified Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria.
- Calculation of RCI using red blood cell count, hemoglobin, lymphocyte count, and platelet count.
Main Results:
- 12.4% of patients developed SAP.
- RCI was a significant independent predictor of SAP (adjusted OR = 1.46; 95% CI, 1.08-1.97).
- Higher RCI values correlated with increased ICU admission and intubation rates in SAP patients.
Conclusions:
- Elevated RCI is associated with an increased risk of SAP in AIS patients.
- RCI serves as a valuable predictive marker for SAP.
- Higher RCI levels are linked to poorer clinical outcomes in patients with SAP.
Related Concept Videos
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
Atypical Pneumonia