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Heshmat-Ghahdarijani K, Fakhrolmobasheri M. Is Red Cell Distribution Width a Reliable Marker for Cardiovascular Diseases? A Narrative Review. Cardiol Rev 2024; 32:362-370. [PMID: 36730493 DOI: 10.1097/crd.0000000000000500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Red cell distribution width (RDW) is an easy-to-access marker which is routinely measured in complete blood count (CBC) test. Besides the classic use of RDW as a marker for discriminating different types of anemia, recent studies had indicated the relationship between high RDW and cardiovascular diseases. High RDW is not only useful in the diagnosis and prognostication of various cardiovascular conditions but also could be used as a valuable tool for predicting the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. population-based studies have indicated that higher RDW could effectively predict the incidence of heart failure (HF), atherosclerotic diseases, and atrial fibrillation (AF). It has been also demonstrated that higher RDW is associated with worse outcomes in these diseases. Recent studies have shown that high RDW is also associated with other cardiovascular conditions including cardiomyopathies, and pulmonary hypertension. The predictive role of RDW in endovascular interventions has also been demonstrated by many recent studies. Here in this review, we attempt to compile the most recent findings with older reports regarding the relation between high RDW and HF, cardiomyopathies, pulmonary hypertension, AF, atherosclerotic disorders, primary hypertension, and the outcomes of endovascular interventions. we also discussed the role of RDW in the prognostication of different cardiovascular conditions when combined with classic classification criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyan Heshmat-Ghahdarijani
- From the Heart Failure Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Fakhrolmobasheri
- Heart Failure Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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González-Sierra M, Romo-Cordero A, Quevedo-Abeledo JC, Quevedo-Rodríguez A, Gómez-Bernal F, de Vera-González A, López-Mejías R, Martín-González C, González-Gay MÁ, Ferraz-Amaro I. Red Cell Distribution Width Association with Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6497. [PMID: 37892635 PMCID: PMC10607716 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12206497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a measure of the variation in mean corpuscular volume that reflects the degree of anisocytosis on the peripheral blood smear. RDW value variation has been implicated in several disorders including chronic inflammatory processes and cardiovascular (CV) diseases. In the present work, our objective was to study the relationship that RDW has with the characteristics of the disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), focusing on CV risk factors and subclinical atherosclerosis. A cross-sectional study was conducted that included 430 patients with RA and 208 controls matched by sex and age. Complete blood count, including RDW, was assessed. Multivariable analysis was performed to analyze the relationship of RDW with RA disease characteristics, subclinical carotid atherosclerosis, and traditional CV factors, including a comprehensive profile of lipid molecules and insulin resistance and beta cell function indices. After multivariable adjustment, the RDW was significantly higher in RA patients compared with controls (beta coefficient 1.0 [95% confidence interval 0.2 to 1.8] %, p = 0.020). Furthermore, although the erythrocyte sedimentation rate showed a positive and significant relationship with RDW, this association was not found with C-reactive protein and interleukin-6. A positive and independent relationship was observed between DAS28-ESR disease activity score and RDW. However, no association was found between the RDW and other disease activity scores that do not include erythrocyte sedimentation rate in their formula. The SCORE2 CV risk algorithm was positively and significantly associated with higher RDW values. Likewise, a negative relationship was found between RDW with total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and a positive relationship was found between RDW and insulin resistance indices. In conclusion, RDW values are higher in RA patients compared to matched controls. Although the relationship of RDW with disease activity was not consistent, RDW shows associations with subclinical CV disease risk factors, including dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, and with the SCORE2 CV disease-risk prediction algorithm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta González-Sierra
- Division of Hospitalization-at-Home, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, 38320 Tenerife, Spain;
| | - Alejandro Romo-Cordero
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, 38320 Tenerife, Spain; (A.R.-C.); (C.M.-G.)
| | - Juan C. Quevedo-Abeledo
- Division of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario Dr. Negrín, 35010 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; (J.C.Q.-A.); (A.Q.-R.)
| | - Adrián Quevedo-Rodríguez
- Division of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario Dr. Negrín, 35010 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; (J.C.Q.-A.); (A.Q.-R.)
| | - Fuensanta Gómez-Bernal
- Division of Central Laboratory, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, 38320 Tenerife, Spain; (F.G.-B.); (A.d.V.-G.)
| | - Antonia de Vera-González
- Division of Central Laboratory, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, 38320 Tenerife, Spain; (F.G.-B.); (A.d.V.-G.)
| | - Raquel López-Mejías
- Epidemiology, Genetics and Atherosclerosis Research Group on Systemic Inflammatory Diseases, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Marqués de Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain;
| | - Candelaria Martín-González
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, 38320 Tenerife, Spain; (A.R.-C.); (C.M.-G.)
- Internal Medicine Department, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel González-Gay
- Department of Medicine and Psychiatry, Universidad de Cantabria, 39005 Santander, Spain
- Division of Rheumatology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Iván Ferraz-Amaro
- Internal Medicine Department, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 Tenerife, Spain
- Division of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, 38320 Tenerife, Spain
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Alghamdi M. Red Blood Cell Distribution Width: A Potential Inexpensive Marker for Disease Activity in Patients with Rheumatic Diseases; Scoping Review. Open Access Rheumatol 2023; 15:173-180. [PMID: 37719317 PMCID: PMC10505028 DOI: 10.2147/oarrr.s424168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rheumatic diseases encompass a diverse group of autoimmune disorders that affect the joints and connective tissues. The red blood cell distribution width (RDW) has been widely investigated as an inflammatory marker. This scoping review aimed to explore the potential utility of RDW as an inexpensive marker for disease activity in patients with rheumatic diseases. By summarizing the available evidence, we aimed to determine whether RDW can serve as a reliable and accessible indicator of disease activity in these patients. Methods A comprehensive search was systematically performed across electronic databases, encompassing PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Studies have explored the relationship between RDW and disease activity in rheumatic diseases. Data extraction focused on the study characteristics, methodologies, and findings related to RDW as a disease activity marker. Results After removing duplicates, the initial search yielded 25 relevant studies. These studies encompassed a variety of rheumatic diseases, with rheumatoid arthritis being the most frequently studied condition. The association between RDW and disease activity was assessed by using various disease activity indices and clinical parameters. While some studies have reported a significant correlation between elevated RDW and disease activity, others have yielded inconclusive results. Conclusion From this review, we concluded that RDW is an inexpensive potential marker for the evaluation of disease activity in rheumatic diseases. RDW is promising as an inexpensive and readily available marker; however, its clinical utility in assessing disease activity in rheumatic conditions warrants more rigorous investigation through well-designed prospective studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mushabab Alghamdi
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Jin Y, Guo G, Wang C, Jiang B. Association of red cell distribution width with pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with mixed connective tissue disease. BMC Pulm Med 2023; 23:299. [PMID: 37580729 PMCID: PMC10426200 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-023-02597-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe complication of mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) and contributes to increased morbidity and mortality. Still, the demographic characteristics and risk factors of PAH in MCTD remain poorly understood. This study explored risk factors for PAH development in MCTD. METHODS Data from patients with MCTD and PAH hospitalized from May 2009 to December 2022 in a single center were collected and compared with patients with MCTD without PAH. The variables were analyzed by logistic regression to identify the factors associated with PAH in patients with MCTD. The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the diagnostic value of the identified factors. RESULTS Finally, 119 patients with MCTD were included; 46 had PAH. The mean age at PAH onset and diagnosis was 38.9 ± 13.4 and 39.9 ± 13.7 years, respectively. The median pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) was 67.0 mmHg. The median brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level was 180.0 pg/ml at PAH diagnosis. Red cell distribution width (RDW) (OR: 2.128; 95% confidence interval: 1.497-3.026; P < 0.001) was associated with PAH in patients with MCTD. There was a positive correlation between RDW and PASP (r = 0.716, P < 0.001). At a cutoff of 15.2%, RDW had the best sensitivity (80.4%) and specificity (82.2%) for PAH. CONCLUSION RDW may serve as a sensitive index to predict PAH in patients with MCTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yansheng Jin
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210008, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Suzhou Wuzhong People's Hospital, 61 Dongwu North Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, 215128, China
| | - Guanjun Guo
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiac Function Room, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210008, China
| | - Chun Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210008, China
| | - Bo Jiang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210008, China.
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Fu X, Liu H, Huang G, Dai SS. The emerging role of neutrophils in autoimmune-associated disorders: effector, predictor, and therapeutic targets. MedComm (Beijing) 2021; 2:402-413. [PMID: 34766153 PMCID: PMC8554667 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils are essential components of the immune system and have vital roles in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders. As effector cells, neutrophils promote autoimmune disease by releasing cytokines and chemokines cascades that accompany inflammation, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) regulating immune responses through cell-cell interactions. More recent evidence has extended functions of neutrophils. Accumulating evidence implicated neutrophils contribute to tissue damage during a broad range of disorders, involving rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), primary sjögren's syndrome (pSS), multiple sclerosis (MS), crohn's disease (CD), and gout. A variety of studies have reported on the functional role of neutrophils as therapeutic targets in autoimmune diseases. However, challenges and controversies in the field remain. Enhancing our understanding of neutrophils' role in autoimmune disorders may further advance the development of new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Fu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Science Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University) Chongqing China
| | - Heting Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Science Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University) Chongqing China
| | - Gang Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Science Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University) Chongqing China
| | - Shuang-Shuang Dai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Science Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University) Chongqing China
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Liu J, Yang J, Xu S, Zhu Y, Xu S, Wei L, Qian P, Lv Y, Zhang C, Xing X, Deng Y. Prognostic impact of red blood cell distribution width in pulmonary hypertension patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e19089. [PMID: 32311918 PMCID: PMC7220737 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000019089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Elevated red blood cell distribution width (RDW) may correlate with a worse prognosis in pulmonary hypertension (PH), though results to date are inconsistent. The goal of this study is to detect the impact of RDW on the prognosis of PH.PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched from their inception to July 22, 2019 for relevant publications reporting the relationship between RDW and the prognosis of PH. A meta-analysis was performed, and the heterogeneity across the included studies was evaluated using I and Q statistics. We conducted sensitivity and subgroup analyses to detect sources of heterogeneity. In addition, potential publication bias was evaluated by Begg's and Egger's tests.In total, 1236 publications were retrieved, and 7 eligible publications with 666 PH patients were included in our meta-analysis. The results suggested that increased RDW can predict worse prognosis in PH (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-1.45). According to subgroup analysis, study design, region, various endpoints, time of follow-up, and patient age were not sources of heterogeneity. In addition, RDW showed prognostic value in retrospective studies (HR = 1.32, 95%CI 1.15-1.51) but not in prospective studies (HR = 1.14, 95%CI 0.78-1.67). Additionally, RDW may serve as a predictive biomarker of PH in Europe (HR = 1.33, 95%CI 1.18-1.49) but not in Asia (HR = 1.20, 95%CI 0.90-1.58). Further analysis indicated that the prognostic value of RDW was influenced by patient age (>44 years: HR = 1.34, 95%CI 1.17-1.55; ≤44 years: HR = 1.20, 95%CI 0.90-1.58) and follow-up (<3 years, HR = 1.36, 95%CI 0.53-3.47; ≥3 years, HR = 1.29, 95%CI 1.14-1.45).RDW provides important prognostic information for PH patients, and this measure may be used to optimize patient management and guide clinical treatment.PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019122636.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province
| | - Jiao Yang
- First Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming
| | - Shuanglan Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province
| | - Yun Zhu
- The People's Hospital of Yuxi City, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yuxi
| | - Shuangyan Xu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Li Wei
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province
| | - Panpan Qian
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province
| | - Yuanyuan Lv
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province
| | - Chunfang Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province
| | - Xiqian Xing
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province
| | - Yishu Deng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province
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Chen HY, Lin JJ, Yang B, Lin MC. Risk of systemic autoimmune diseases in gastric disease patients with proton pump inhibitor use: a nationwide cohort study in Taiwan. Clin Rheumatol 2020; 39:2773-2780. [PMID: 32152918 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-020-05012-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The risk factors for systemic autoimmune diseases (SAD) in gastric disease patients with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use are still unclear. This study discussed this relationship in an Asian population. METHODS Patients without a prior history of SAD were identified from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2010. Cox regression models were applied to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval [CI] of SAD. The cumulative PPI dosage was stratified by quartiles of defined daily doses and adjusted for baseline disease risk score which served as the primary variables compared against no PPI use. RESULTS We analyzed the data of 51,291 participants aged 18 years or older and free of SAD at baseline. PPI users (n = 17,938) had a significantly increased risk of SAD over non-PPI users. There was a significantly higher risk of developing SAD in older age groups. A significant dose-dependent association was observed between cumulative PPI use and the risk of SAD. Female PPI users had significantly higher risk of developing SAD. In patients who received PPI, the autoimmune disease with significantly higher incidence was Sjögren syndrome (SjS) (adjusted HR [aHR] 1.82, 95% CI, 1.02-3.27) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (aHR, 2.19, 95% CI, 1.19-4.01). CONCLUSION This study found PPI users to be associated with an increased risk of SAD. Older age or cumulative PPI use was significantly associated with SAD, and the highest incidence was SjS and RA among gastric disease patients who received PPI. Key Points • This nationwide long-term cohort study found PPI users to be associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren syndrome in Taiwan. • This finding may help with clinical risk evaluation and will inform further investigation of the pathogenesis between autoimmune diseases and PPI use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Yi Chen
- Institute of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Pharmacy, China Medical University Hospital, Beikang Campus, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Jiun-Jie Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, Feng-Yuan Hospital, Ministry of Health Welfare, No. 100 An-Kan Rd., Fengyuan Dist., Taichung City, 42055, Taiwan, Republic of China.
- Taichung City New Pharmacist Association, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Bo Yang
- Institute of Lipids Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Mei-Chen Lin
- Management Office for Health Data, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Abstract
Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systematic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome, are a group of diseases characterized by the activation of immune cells and excessive production of autoantibodies. Although the pathogenesis of these diseases is still not completely understood, studies have shown that multiple factors including genetics, environment and immune responses play important roles in the development and progression of the diseases. In China, there are great achievements in the mechanisms of autoimmune diseases during the last decades. These studies provide new insight to understand the diseases and also shed light on the development of novel therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Li
- Department of Rheumatology & Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Rheumatism Mechanism and Immune Diagnosis (BZ0135), Beijing, China.
| | - Xing Sun
- Department of Rheumatology & Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Rheumatism Mechanism and Immune Diagnosis (BZ0135), Beijing, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Rheumatology & Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Rheumatism Mechanism and Immune Diagnosis (BZ0135), Beijing, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Rheumatology & Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Rheumatism Mechanism and Immune Diagnosis (BZ0135), Beijing, China
| | - Zhanguo Li
- Department of Rheumatology & Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Rheumatism Mechanism and Immune Diagnosis (BZ0135), Beijing, China
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Red Cell Distribution Width and Platelet Count as Biomarkers of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Patients with Connective Tissue Disorders. DISEASE MARKERS 2019; 2019:4981982. [PMID: 31275447 PMCID: PMC6589198 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4981982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction/Objective In the present paper, we aimed to test the value of the red cell distribution width (RDW) coefficient of variation as a candidate biomarker for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in patients with connective tissue disorders (CTD), correlating it with the degree of cardiopulmonary impairment in these patients. Methods The study population included N = 141 patients with CTD and N = 59 patients affected by pulmonary hypertension of other etiologies, all referred to the Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic of the Cardiology Division of an Academic Hospital in Northern Italy for evaluation (including right catheterization). Clinical, instrumental, and laboratory data were collected and related to RDW and other full blood count indexes. Results Twenty out of 141 CTD patients (14%) received a diagnosis of PAH. In comparison to those without PAH, CTD patients with PAH displayed a larger RDW (14.9% (13.5-17.2) vs. 13.8% (13.1-15.0); p = 0.02) and a lower platelet count (205 (177‐240) × 109/l vs. 244 (197.5‐304.2) × 109/l; p = 0.005). Moreover, with respect to CTD patients without PAH, RDW was significantly larger also in PH of other etiologies. In contrast, the platelet count was significantly lower only in CTD-related PAH, with a value > 276 × 109/l being 100% sensitive in ruling out PAH. Finally, RDW, but not the platelet count, was related directly to systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (r = 0.381; p = 0.0008) and right ventricle diameter (r = 0.283; p = 0.015) and inversely to diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (r = −0.325; p = 0.014). Conclusion RDW is a promising candidate biomarker for the screening and the prognostic stratification of PAH in CTD patients.
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