The evaluation of red cell distribution width in chronic hemodialysis patients

The Relationship Between Bone Metabolism and Peripheral Artery Disease in Patients on Hemodialysis: The Potential Role of Osteocalcin

Introduction

To examine the factors associated with PAD, with a specific focus on bone metabolism factors such as osteocalcin.

Methods

This cross-sectional study examined factors about demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters including bone metabolism biomarkers in hemodialysis patients. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) was measured in all patients, with PAD diagnosed as an ABI <0.9.

Results

Out of the 71 patients, PAD was found in 23 individuals. These patients had an average age of 63.5±13.0 years, with 59.2% being male. Compared to non-PAD patients, those with PAD were older, had a lower proportion of males, and had a higher prevalence of diabetes and coronary artery disease. Among the factors related to bone metabolism, only osteocalcin exhibited a significant increase in the PAD group compared to the non-PAD group.

Conclusion

PAD in patients on hemodialysis was independently linked to high levels of osteocalcin in the bloodstream, indicating the presence of bone metabolism disorders.

Prevalence and antibiogram of bacteria causing urinary tract infection among patients with chronic kidney disease

Identifying and appropriately managing urinary tract infections (UTIs) among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are essential to reduce further disease complications and economic burden. Hence, this study aims to determine the prevalence of UTIs among CKD patients and study the antibiogram of the bacterial isolates. Four hundred eighty-two clean catch midstream urine samples were collected from CKD patients during the study period. The samples were cultured, and bacteria were isolated using standard microbiological techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Of the 482 CKD patients, 15.8% were culture positive, and the majority was elderly aged group population. Most bacterial isolates were Escherichia coli 50%, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa 15.80%, Enterococcus species 15.80%, and Klebsiella pneumoniae 11.84%. The majority of bacteria were found to be resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics, ampicillin (94.67%), ceftriaxone (89.04%), cefotaxime (87.5%), and ceftazidime (84.0%), while polymyxin, colistin, vancomycin, meropenem, and imipenem were the most sensitive antibiotics. In our study, higher levels of antibiotic resistance were observed among urinary isolates. Therefore, our findings suggest clinicians to choose better antibiotic options to treat UTIs among CKD patients.

Higher Preoperative Red Blood Cell Distribution Width Increases the Risk of Myocardial Injury After Noncardiac Surgery in Advanced-Age Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

Myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) has been associated with worse outcomes. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between higher red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and postoperative 30-day MINS among advanced-age patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study including advanced-age patients (≥65 years old) who underwent noncardiac surgery between January 2017 and August 2019 at the First Medical Center of the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital. Patients were divided into two groups according to the cutoff value identified the lowest risk using Restricted Cubic Splines (RCS) model. The primary outcome was the incidence of MINS within 30 days after surgery. The relationship between RDW and MINS was investigated by univariable and multi-variable logistic regression analysis. Propensity score (PS) analysis, including propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW), as well as subgroup analysis were also conducted to identify the effect of RDW.

Results

The result of the RCS analysis showed that the risk of MINS in advanced-age patients increases when the baseline RDW is >12.8%. In the univariate analysis, baseline RDW >12.8% was a risk factor for postoperative MINS [odds ratio (OR)=2.11; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.83-2.44; p<0.001]. After adjustment for all possible components, there was also a high risk of MINS for patients with elevated RDW [Adjusted OR (aOR)=1.43; 95% CI: 1.27-1.61; p<0.001). The relationship remained after PS analysis (aOR=1.24; 95% CI: 1.04-1.47; p=0.016 in PSM; aOR=1.23; 95% CI: 1.05-1.44; p=0.012 in IPTW, respectively). Significant differences between two groups were established in the incidence rate of postoperative cardiac complications and mortality.

Conclusion

Elevated preoperative RDW is significantly associated with an increased risk of MINS within postoperative 30 days.

Prognostic value of red cell distribution width and mean corpuscular volume on mortality in hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND

Anemia is a common consequence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Red cell distribution width (RDW) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) are principally used for differential diagnosis of anemia. Limited evidence is available for its prognostic value for mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We aimed to definite the relationship between RDW and MCV and mortality in HD patients.

METHOD

This cohort study examined all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality with 181 maintenance HD patients from February 2015. Patients were divided into four groups according to the median of RDW and MCV. Pearson analysis was conducted to determine the related factors of RDW and MCV. The independent association of RDW and MCV with mortality was examined with Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

This study included 181 HD patients for a median follow-up of 71 months. We found RDW was positively related to neutrophil count, C-reaction protein, and ferritin, while negatively related to hemoglobin, albumin, and creatinine. Only neutrophil count and ferritin were significantly related to MCV in this study. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, the high RDW group was associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality (odds ratio, 3.787; 95% confidence interval, 1.037 to 13.834; p = 0.044). The relationship between RDW and MCV and CV mortality was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

RDW could emerge as an additive risk factor for all-cause mortality in maintenance HD patients, independent of other factors. An absolute value of MCV to predict mortality and the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms should be confirmed in the future.

Parameters and Morphological Changes of Erythrocytes and Platelets of COVID-19 Subjects: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

Purpose

Information about dynamic changes occurring in the parameters and morphology of erythrocytes and platelets during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and convalescence is scarce. To explore potential associations between dynamic erythrocyte and platelet parameters, morphological changes, and the course or severity of the disease is essential.

Patients and Methods

From January 17th, 2020, to February 20th, 2022, we followed up on 35 patients with non-severe and 11 patients with severe COVID-19 following their discharge. We collected clinical features, dynamic complete blood count (CBC), and peripheral blood smears (PBS) and analyzed parameter and morphological changes of erythrocytes and platelets depending on the course or severity of the disease. The course of the disease included four periods, namely onset (T1), discharge (T2), 1-year follow-up (T3), and 2-year follow-up (T4).

Results

Red blood cell (RBC) counts and hemoglobin were the lowest in T2, followed by T1, and lower in T1 and T2 than in T3 and T4. Inversely, the red blood cell distribution width (RDW) was the highest in T2, followed by T1, and higher than in T3 and T4. Compared to non-severe patients, the platelet of severe patients was lower in T1 and T2. In contrast, the mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) tended to be higher in severe patients. Similarly, anisocytosis was more common in peripheral blood smears at early stages and in severe patients. Finally, large platelets were more common in severe patients.

Conclusion

Anisocytosis of erythrocytes and large platelets are found in patients with severe COVID-19, these changes may help primary hospitals to identify patients with a high risk of severe COVID-19 at an early stage.

Red cell distribution width and Glasgow coma scale score as predictors of in-hospital mortality in maintenance hemodialysis patients diagnosed with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score is being widely used as a useful predictor to investigate patients with head injury. High red cell distribution width (RDW) values have been independently associated with mortality and poor neurological outcome. However, there are few data available for Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage (SIH) in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of the combined measurement of RDW and GCS score in MHD patients with SIH. We retrospectively studied 46 MHD patients who was admitted to our hospital for nontraumatic SIH from October 2014 to May 2020. Data including demographic information, cause of renal failure, comorbidities at ESRD, clinical and laboratory parameters at admission were collected from medical records. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were performed to identify independent risk factors of the in-hospital Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients with SIH. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and areas under the curve (AUCs) were determined. The sensitivity and specificity of independent risk factors were calculated for a range of different cutoff points. A total of 46 patients were enrolled in the study. The in-hospital mortality rate was 69.57%. We divided subjects into 2 groups based on the clinical outcomes. Compared with survivors (n = 14), non-survivors (n = 32) had longer hemodialysis vintage (P = .017), lower GCS score (P < .001), higher hemoglobin (Hb) (P = .032) and RDW (P = .009). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, GCS score (OR 0.719, 95% CI 0.546-0.946; P = .018) and RDW (OR 4.549, 95% CI 1.243-0.946; P = .018) were independent risk factors of in-hospital mortality in MHD patients with SIH. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for GCS score was 0.849 (95% CI 0.729-0.970) while that for RDW was 0.743 (95% CI 0.596-0.891). The AUC for the combined prediction was 0.916 (95% CI 0.828-1.000), with a sensitivity of 90.63% and a specificity of 88.46%. In conclusion, high RDW and low GCS score were useful and independent poor prognostic markers for in-hospital mortality of MHD patients with SIH.

Risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications in elderly patients receiving elective colorectal surgery: A retrospective study

Study objective

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are common and associated with adverse outcomes impairing long-term survival and quality of recovery. This single-centered retrospective study aimed to examine factors associated with PPCs in patients receiving elective colorectal surgery aged ≥60 years.

Methods

Between January 2019 and December 2019, 638 patients at the Shanghai Changhai Hospital who had received elective surgery for colorectal cancer were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into the PPC group (n=38) and non-PPC group (n=600). Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), and systemic inflammatory index (SII) were selected and caculated to indicate preoperative and postoperative inflammatory status. Receiver operating characteristic curve and bivariate correlation analyses were performed to evaluate the identified risk factors.

Main results

The overall incidence of PPCs was approximately 5.96%. Multivariate regression analysis identified age (OR = 1.094, 95%CI 1.038-1.153, P = 0.001), preoperative RDW (OR = 1.159, 95%CI 1.025-1.309, P = 0.018), and preoperative SII (OR = 1.001, 95%CI 1.000-1.003, P = 0.035) as independent risk factors for PPCs. The cut-off values of age, preoperative RDW, and preoperative SII for predicting PPCs were 69.5 (sensitivity 0.658, specificity 0.653), 13.2 (sensitivity 0.789, specificity 0.552) and 556.1 (sensitivity 0.579, specificity 0.672), respectively.

Conclusions

Age, preoperative RDW, and preoperative SII were identified as independent risk factors for PPC occurrence in elderly patients receiving elective colorectal surgery. Further studies are warranted to evaluate whether normalization of preoperative RDW and SII, as modifiable risk factors, are associated with improved surgical outcomes.

Distribution Width of Red Blood Cells and Related Factors Among Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background

RDW is critical to the clinical diagnosis and progression of ESRD. There is currently little data on the relationship between RDW and ESRD in sub-Saharan Africa. Because of this, the present study evaluates RDW in patients with ESRD and associated factors in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

The hospital-based cross-sectional study design was conducted on a total of 83 patients. RDW, MCV, SCR, BUN, GFR, FBS and serum albumin were determined. Blood pressure (mmHg), weight (kg), height (m), MUAC (cm) and BMI (kg/m2) were also measured. Data entry was via Epi-data version 3.4 and analyzed with SPSS version 26.0. A multivariate logistic regression analysis with a p-value < 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval was used to identify the associated factors of RDW.

Results

A total of 83 ESRD patients participated, with a response rate of 95.4%. RDW ranged from 15.5% to 23.6% with a mean of 17.40% + 1.46%. Anisocytosis was present in 98.8% of patients. Of 83 patients, 66.3% were hypertensive, 20.5% had diabetes, and the remaining 13.3% had other conditions (glomerulonephritis and peripheral vascular disease). The mean GFR value was 5.20 mL/min/1.73 + 1.58. RDW showed a significant association with GFR (AOR: 4.6, 95% CI [1.27, 20.74], P = 0.047), alcohol consumption (AOR: 13.4, P = 0.012, 95% CI [1.97, 22.62]), recurrent kidney disease (AOR=25.6, P=0.016, 95% CI [1.85, 53.71]) and use of medication (AOR=00.2, P=0.044), 95% CI [0.03, 0.95]).

Conclusion

RDW showed a significant association with GFR, recurrent kidney disease, alcohol consumption, and medication use in hemodialysis-dependent ESRD patients. The mechanisms of RDW disruption in ESRD patients need further investigation.

Can Complete Blood Count Picture Tell Us More About the Activity of Rheumatological Diseases?

Background:

In clinical practice, distinguishing disease activity in patients with rheumatological illnesses is challenging.

Objectives:

We aimed to investigate clinical associations of hemogram-derived indices, namely: red cell distribution width (RDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) with disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods:

In 250 patients with rheumatological disease and 100 healthy age-matched controls, we investigated disease activity scores and indicators and evaluated their association with hemogram-derived indices values.

Results:

Compared with the control group, RDW, MPV, and PLR significantly increased (P < .001) in the three studied disorders (RA, SLE, and AS), but LMR dramatically decreased. SII was considerably higher in RA and AS patients compared with controls but not in SLE patients. On the other hand, NLR rose dramatically in SLE patients compared with controls (P = .043), but did not change much in RA and AS patients (P > .05). RDW and MPV showed significant changes (P < .001) in the three studied diseases (RA, SLE, and AS) according to disease activity. They significantly increased across worsening activity scores. Only in the SLE group, PLR was significantly increased with disease activity (P < .001), while LMR showed a significant decrease (P = .016).

Conclusions:

Clinicians must pay close attention to complete blood count (CBC) analysis and its various derived ratios to better characterize the activity of rheumatological disorders and anticipate the disease course and prognosis.

Association between red blood cell distribution width and non-valvular atrial fibrillation in hemodialysis patients: a single-center Chinese population study

Background

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) has emerged as a prognostic marker of atrial fibrillation (AF) in various clinical settings. However, the relationship by which RDW was linked to AF in hemodialysis (HD) patients was not clear. We sought to reveal the relationship between RDW and AF occurrence in HD patients.

Methods

We enrolled 170 consecutive maintenance HD patients, including 86 AF patients and 84 non-AF patients. All participants’ medical history and detailed clinical workup were recorded before the first dialysis session of the week. Electrocardiography, laboratory and transthoracic echocardiography examination indices were compared between the AF group and non-AF group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent predictors of AF occurrence in HD patients.

Results

There were all paroxysmal AF patients in AF group. Compared to the non-AF group, patients with AF group had a significantly older age (61.0 ± 1.48 vs. 49.71 ± 1.79, p < 0.001), lower BMI (24.3 ± 4.11 vs. 25.8 ± 3.87, p < 0.05), higher RDW (15.10 ± 0.96 vs. 14.26 ± 0.82, p < 0.001) and larger LAD (39.87 ± 3.66 vs. 37.68 ± 5.08, p < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analyses demonstrated that values of age (OR: 1.030, 95%CI: 1.004-1.057, per one- year increase), BMI (OR: 0.863, 95%CI: 0.782–0.952, per 1 kg/m² increase), RDW (OR: 2.917, 95%CI: 1.805–4.715, per 1% increase) and LAD (OR: 1.097, 95%CI: 1.004–1.199, per 1 mm increase) were independently associated with AF occurrence (p < 0.05, respectively). The best cutoff value of RDW to predict AF occurrence was 14.65% with a sensitivity of 68.6% and a specificity of 72.6%.

Conclusions

The increased RDW was significantly associated with the paroxysmal AF occurrence in HD patients.

Retrospective evaluation of red blood cell distribution width as a prognostic factor in critically ill dogs (December 2016 to April 2017): 127 cas

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between RBC distribution width (RDW) and in-hospital mortality, length of hospitalization, and leukocyte count in critically ill dogs.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

University teaching hospital.

ANIMALS

One hundred and twenty-seven dogs admitted to the ICU from December 2016 to April 2017. Patients were included if they had a CBC performed within the first 24 h of admission.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 29% (37/127), and median length of hospital stay was 3 days (interquartile range [IQR], 5). The median RDW value was 13.8% (IQR, 1.6%; reference interval, 11.9%-14.5 %). The canine Acute Patient Physiologic and Laboratory Evaluation (APPLE) fast score was calculated in 81 of 127 (64%) patients; the median score was 24/50 (IQR, 9). There was no significant correlation between RDW and APPLE fast score (P = 0.163). Subgroup analysis was performed according to the following diagnostic categories: abdominal (36%; 46/127), hematological (13%; 16/127), respiratory (13%; 16/127), neurological (12%; 15/127), cardiovascular (11%; 14/127), integument (3%; 4/127), trauma (3%; 4/127), musculoskeletal (2%; 3/127), and others (7%; 9/127). Increased RDW was not associated with in-hospital mortality overall (P = 0.381) or in any individual subgroup analysis. No association was found between length of hospitalization and RDW values in either survivors (P = 0.548) or nonsurvivors (P = 0.083). The correlation between RDW and leukocyte count was nonsignificant (P = 0.12).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, admission RDW was not associated with in-hospital mortality or length of hospitalization in critically ill dogs. The correlation between RDW and leukocyte count was nonsignificant.

The Association Between Red Blood Cell Distribution Width and the Severity of Diabetic Chronic Kidney Disease

Purpose

Red cell distribution width (RDW) has been evidenced to be related to various diabetes-associated macrovascular and microvascular complications. However, the studies on the association between RDW and diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD) are still scarce. The aim of the study is to explore whether there is any association between RDW and the severity of diabetic CKD.

Patients and Methods

The study recruited 396 patients diagnosed with diabetic CKD at People's Hospital of Gaochun from January 2006 to April 2021. Baseline characteristics were gathered and laboratory tests were performed to measure clinical indexes. Patients were also categorized into three groups based on their CKD stages. Correlation analysis and multivariate ordinal logistic regression were performed to investigate the association between RDW and the severity of diabetic CKD. The risk size was described as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

We found a significant association between RDW and the severity of CKD, with a correlation coefficient of 0.32 (P < 0.01). We used three models for multivariate ordinal logistic regression to investigate the relationship between RDW and the severity of CKD. Results showed that RDW is an independent and significant risk factor of diabetic CKD after adjustment for demographic data, physiological indexes, and drug history [Model 3 OR (95% CI) = 1.225 (1.023-1.467)]. In subgroup analysis, RDW remained a significant risk factor in all three models for patients who had diabetes of 5-10 years [Model 3 OR (95% CI) = 1.480 (1.067-2.052)] and had a HbA1c level >7% [(Model 3 OR (95% CI) = 1.478 (1.184-1.845)].

Conclusion

RDW is significantly associated with the disease stages of diabetic CKD, and the risk is higher for people with 5-10 years of diabetes and for those who do not control the HbA1c level well. This study has implications for the diagnosis, monitoring, and timely treatment of the diabetic CKD.

Can red blood cell distribution width (RDW) level predict the severity of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD)?

BACKGROUND

Elevated red blood cell distribution width (RDW) levels were associated with mortality in patients with stable chronic obstructive lung pulmonary diseases (COPD). There are limited data about RDW levels in acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD).

AIM/OBJECTIVE

The association of the RDW levels with the severity of AECOPD was evaluated according to admission location, (outpatient-clinic, ward and intensive care unit (ICU)).

METHODS

Cross sectional retrospective study was designed in tertiary care hospital for chest diseases in 2015. Previously COPD diagnosed patients admitted to hospital outpatient-clinic, ward and ICU due to AECOPD were included in the study. Patients demographics, RDW, biomarkers (CRP, RDW, Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to mean platelet volume (PLT-MPV)) C-CRP, biochemistry values were recorded from hospital electronic system. RDW values were subdivided below 0.11% (low), above and equal 0.15% (high) and between 0.11%-0.15% (normal). Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to mean platelet volume (PLT-MPV) were also calculated. Biomarker values were compared according to where AECOPD was treated.

RESULTS

2771 COPD patients (33% female) and 1429 outpatients-clinic, 1156 ward and 186 ICU were enrolled in the study. The median RDW values in outpatients-clinic, ward and ICU were 0.16 (0.09-0.26), 0.07 (0.01-0.14) and 0.01 (0.00-0.07) respectively (P < .001). In outpatient to ward and ICU, low RDW values were significantly increased (31%, 66%, 83%, respectively) and high RDW values significantly decreased (54%, 24%, 10%) (P < .001). According to attack severity, low RDW values were determined.

CONCLUSION

Patients with AECOPD, lower RDW values should be considered carefully. Lower RDW can be used for decision of COPD exacerbation severity and follow up treatment response.

Predictive value of red blood cell distribution width in septic shock patients with thrombocytopenia: A retrospective study using machine learning

Background

Sepsis‐associated thrombocytopenia (SAT) is common in critical patients and results in the elevation of mortality. Red cell distribution width (RDW) can reflect body response to inflammation and oxidative stress. We try to investigate the relationship between the RDW and the prognosis of patients with SAT through machine learning.

Methods

809 patients were retrospectively analyzed from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC‐III) database. The eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) were used to analyze the impact of each feature. Logistic regression analysis, propensity score matching (PSM), receiver‐operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis, and the Kaplan‐Meier method were used for data processing.

Results

The patients with thrombocytopenia had higher 28‐day mortality (48.2%). Machine learning indicated that RDW was the second most important in predicting 28‐day mortality. The RDW was significantly increased in non‐survivors by logistic regression and PSM. ROC curve shows that RDW has moderate predictive power for 28‐day mortality. The patients with RDW>16.05 exhibited higher mortality through Kaplan‐Meier analysis.

Conclusions

Interpretable machine learning can be applied in clinical research. Elevated RDW is not only common in patients with SAT but is also associated with a poor prognosis.

[Self-reported sleep and wake disorders in patients with ostheoarthrosis and end-stage renal disease]

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess subjective sleep and wake disorders (SWD) in patients with osteoarthritis and comorbid end-stage renal disease (ESRD) receiving hemodialysis (ESRD-HD) compared to patients with osteoarthritis and without chronic kidney disease (CKD) as well as to clarify of the association of subjective sleep characteristics with the levels of anxiety and depression and pain, general health score and laboratory parameters in these cohorts.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This pilot case-control study included the patients with stage III hip osteoarthritis with ESRD-HD (n=19) and without CKD (n=19) aged 18-85 years. The patients received the consultations of orthopedic surgeon and internal medicine specialist with anthropometry and clinical and biochemical blood tests. Subjective SWD were assessed with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), diagnostic criteria for restless legs syndrome (RLS) and Berlin questionnaire. Anxiety and depression were assessed with Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Subjective general health and osteoarthritis-related pain were assessed with visual analog scales (VAS).

RESULTS

Compared to the patients with osteoarthritis and without CKD, the patients with osteoarthritis and ESRD-HD had a lower VAS score for general health (50.00 (40.00-75.00) points and 80.00 (70.00-80.00) points, p=0.014), a higher PSQI (12.0 (8.5-14.5) points and 8.0 (6.0-11.0) points, p=0.046), a higher incidence of RLS (59% and 16.8%, p=0.017) and a lower level of anxiety according to HADS (0.0 (0.0-3.0) points and 3.0 (2.0-5.5) points, p=0.025). The correlation and regression analysis showed the association of PSQI score with VAS score for general health (b= -1.7 points, p=0.002 with adjustment for age, sex and ESRD-HD), as well as the association of SWD with laboratory markers (PSQI score with creatinine level, FSS with eosinophil count, RLS with creatinine, urea and potassium levels).

CONCLUSION

The results of our study demonstrated the high incidence of SWD in patients with osteoarthritis. These SWD have complex pathogenesis and require specific approach in patients with osteoarthritis and ESRD-HD.

Increased red cell distribution width predicts severity of drug-induced liver injury: a retrospective study

We used a retrospective study design to evaluated the predictive value of red cell distribution width (RDW) for drug-induced liver injury (DILI) severity in Chinese patients with liver biopsy to assist with early DILI management. We included 164 DILI patients with complete laboratory information and medical history. We compared outcomes of 36 patients with severe DILI with outcomes of a control group of 128 patients with mild-to-moderate DILI. Multivariate analyses of risk factors for severe liver injury in Chinese patients with DILI revealed an estimated adjusted odds ratio (AOR) (95% CI) of 4.938 (1.088–22.412) in patients with drinking. Risk for serious liver injury was also increased significantly in patients with dyslipidemia [AOR (95% CI) 3.926 (1.282–12.026)], higher serum total bile acid (TBA) levels [AOR (95% CI) 1.014 (1.009–1.020)] and higher RDW [AOR (95% CI) 1.582 (1.261–1.986)]. The result for area under the curve of 0.905 for TBA levels indicated this variable had high diagnostic performance for predicting DILI severity. Based on an area under the curve value of 0.855, RDW also had superior diagnostic performance in prediction of DILI severity. This performance was not significantly different compared with TBA and was superior compared with other variables, which had area under values ranging from poor to failure (0.527–0.714).The risk for severe DILI was associated with drinking, dyslipidemia, higher TBA levels and RDW values. This study found that RDW and TBA levels were predictors of DILI severity in Chinese patients.

Red Blood Cell Distribution Width-to-Platelet Ratio and Other Laboratory Indices Associated with Severity of Histological Hepatic Fibrosis in Patients with Autoimmune Hepatitis: A Retrospective Study at a Single Center

Background

This retrospective study at a single center aimed to evaluate the role of the red blood cell distribution width (RDW)-to-platelet ratio and other laboratory indices associated with the severity of histological hepatic fibrosis on liver biopsy in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH).

Material/Methods

We retrospectively reviewed records from 2097 adult patients who had liver biopsies. Of these patients, data from 72 with AIH and 164 with drug-induced liver injury (DILI) with complete laboratory information and medical histories were included in the analysis.

Results

We found that compared with patients with DILI, patients with AIH had higher alkaline phosphatase, globulin, and total bile acid levels. Multivariate analyses of risk factors for AIH-associated advanced liver fibrosis in Chinese patients revealed an estimated adjusted odds ratio (AOR) (95% CI) of 1.609 (1.028–2.517) in patients with higher immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels. Patients with higher gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT)-to-platelet ratio (GPR) values had a significantly higher risk of serious liver fibrosis than patients with lower GPR values. Advanced fibrosis risk was higher in patients with higher RPR values than in patients with lower RPR values [AOR (95% CI): 25.507 (2.934–221.784)]. The result for area under the curve (0.821) analysis for lnRPR levels indicated this variable had high diagnostic performance for predicting advanced AIH-related fibrosis.

Conclusions

The degree of histological liver fibrosis in patients with AIH was significantly associated with an increased red blood cell distribution width-to-platelet ratio, GPR, and increased serum levels of IgA.

Importance of haemogram parameters for prediction of the time of birth in women diagnosed with threatened preterm labour

Objective

This study aimed to estimate the importance of complete blood count parameters for predicting the timing of birth in threatened preterm labour cases.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of 92 patients who were diagnosed with threatened preterm labour (24–34 gestational weeks). The patients were divided into two groups according to the time of birth (group 1: delivered within the first week after diagnosis; group 2: delivered later than 1 week). We compared characteristics and complete blood count parameters between these two groups.

Results

There were no significant differences in maternal age, body mass index, gravida, parity, haemoglobin levels, and gestational weeks between the two groups. The mean cervical length was 24.24 ± 3.60 mm in group 1 and 30.70 ± 5.32 mm in group 2. There were significant differences in the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, white blood cell count, red cell distribution width (RDW), absolute lymphocyte cell count, and absolute neutrophil cell count between the two groups.

Conclusion

Maternal serum RDW, the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, white blood cell count, absolute lymphocyte cell count, and the absolute neutrophil cell count profile could guide clinicians in predicting the time of birth in threatened preterm labour cases.

A retrospective cohort study on the association between elevated preoperative red cell distribution width and all-cause mortality after noncardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

Elevated red cell distribution width (RDW) has been associated with worse outcomes in several medical patient populations. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of increased preoperative RDW and short- and long-term mortality after noncardiac surgery.

METHODS

This investigation was a retrospective cohort study including all patients undergoing noncardiac surgery between 2005 and 2015 at Landspitali-the National University Hospital in Iceland. Patients were separated into five predefined groups based on preoperative RDW (≤13.3%, 13.4-14.0%, 14.1-14.7%, 14.8-15.8%, and >15.8%). The primary outcome was all-cause long-term mortality and secondary outcomes included 30-day mortality, length of stay, and readmissions within 30 days, compared with propensity score matched (PSM) cohort from patients with RDW ≤13.3%.

RESULTS

There was a higher hazard of long-term mortality for patients with RDW between 14.8% and 15.8% (hazard ratio=1.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-1.59; P<0.001) and above 15.8% (hazard ratio=1.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.41-1.95; P<0.001), compared with matched controls with RDW ≤13.3%. This association held in multiple patient subgroups. For secondary outcomes, there was no difference in 30-day mortality, length of stay, or risk of readmission within 30 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased preoperative RDW is associated with increased long-term mortality after noncardiac surgery. RDW could be a composite biomarker of pre-existing chronic inflammation and poor nutritional status. Future studies should clarify if this is a modifiable risk factor for improved surgical outcomes.

Red blood cell distribution width and mortality and hospitalizations in peritoneal dialysis patients

BACKGROUND

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is found to be associated with different types of anemia and has recently been studied as a prognostic marker of mortality in hemodialysis patients. However, the relationship of RDW with mortality and hospitalization rate in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients is less known.

METHODS

Among 14 323 incident PD patients between 2007 and 2011 in the USA, we examined the relationship of baseline and time-varying RDW with the risk of mortality and time to first hospitalization using adjusted Cox models. In addition, we examined the relationship of baseline RDW and hospitalization rate using an adjusted negative-binomial regression model. Sensitivity analyses included competing risk models and subgroup analyses.

RESULTS

The study population comprised patients 56 ± 16 years of age, including 43% females, 23% African Americans and 62% diabetics, with a mean RDW of 15.3 ± 1.6%. In models adjusted for clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters, RDW exhibited an incremental relationship with the mortality risk, where RDW ≥16.5% had a 40% and 69% higher risk of death in baseline and time-varying analyses, respectively, compared with an RDW of 14.5-15.5%. Moreover, higher baseline RDW ≥16.5% was also associated with a higher risk of time to first hospitalization {hazard ratio 1.22 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14-1.29]} and a higher rate of hospitalizations [incidence rate ratio 1.16 (95% CI 1.09-1.23)]. These results were consistent across numerous sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher RDW is associated with a higher risk of mortality and hospitalizations among incident PD patients. Further studies are needed to examine the mechanism behind RDW and adverse outcomes.

Identifying risk groups of infectious spondylitis in patients with end-stage renal disease under hemodialysis: a propensity score-matched case-control study

BACKGROUND

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) under hemodialysis (HD) are at greater risks of infectious spondylitis (IS), but there is no reliable predictor that facilitate early detection of this relatively rare and insidious disease.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the medical records from patients with ESRD under HD over a 12-year period was performed at a tertiary teaching hospital, and those with a first-time diagnosis of IS were identified. A 1:4 propensity score-matched case-control study was carried out, and baseline characteristics, underlying diseases, and laboratory data were compared between the study group and the control group, one month before the date of diagnosis or the index date respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 16 patients with IS were compared with 64 controls. After adjustment, recent access operation (odds ratio [OR], 13.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.53 to 49.91; p <  0.001), degenerative spinal disease (OR, 12.87; 95% CI, 1.89 to 87.41; p = 0.009), HD through a tunneled cuffed catheter (OR, 6.75; 95% CI, 1.74 to 26.14; p = 0.006), low serum levels of hemoglobin, albumin, as well as high levels of red blood cell volume distribution width (RDW), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein were significant predictors for a IS diagnosis one month later. Receiver operating characteristic curves for hemoglobin, RDW, ALP, and albumin all showed good discrimination. The further multivariate models identified both high serum ALP levels and low serum RDW levels following a recent access intervention in patients with relatively short HD vintages may be indicative of the development of IS.

CONCLUSION

Patients under HD with relatively short HD vintages showing either elevated ALP levels or low RDW levels following a recent access intervention should prompt clinical awareness about IS for timely diagnosis.

Factors responsible for cerebral hypoxia in hemodialysis population

Brain tissue oxygenation (rSO(2)) measured by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is lower in hemodialysis patients than in the healthy population and is associated with cognitive dysfunction. The involved mechanisms are not known. We conducted this study to identify the factors that influence the rSO2 values in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and to describe rSO2 changes during hemodialysis. We included a cohort of ESRD patients hemodialyzed in our institution. We recorded rSO2 using INVOS 5100C oximetry system (Medtronic, Essex, U.K.) and analyzed changes in basic laboratory values and hemodynamic fluctuations. Baseline rSO2 was lower in patients with heart failure (45.2±8.3 % vs. 54.1±7.8 %, p=0.006) and was significantly linked to higher red cell distribution width (RDW) (r=-0.53, p?0.001) and higher BNP level (r=-0.45, p=0.01). The rSO(2) value decreased in first 15 min of hemodialysis, this decrease correlated with drop in white blood count during the same period (r=0.43, p=0.02 in 10 min, r=0.43, p=0.02 in 20 min). Lower rSO(2) values in patients with heart failure and higher RDW suggest that hemodynamic instability combined with vascular changes probably leads to worse cerebral oxygenation in these patients. Decrease of rSO(2) in 15th minute of hemodialysis accompanied with a significant drop in leukocyte count could be explained by complement activation.

Association of red blood cell distribution width with severity of hepatitis B virus-related liver diseases

BACKGROUND

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) has been indicated to be an inflammatory indicator in a variety of diseases. However, no consistent conclusions regarding it's relevance to hepatitis B virus (HBV) -related liver diseases have been made. This meta-analysis was conducted to assess the significance of RDW in HBV-related liver diseases.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) through August 20, 2017 to identify studies that reported the association between RDW and HBV-related liver diseases. The standard mean difference (SMD) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to assess the associations.

RESULTS

Twenty-four studies met the eligibility criteria were included in the meta-analysis. These studies included 3272 HBV-infected patients and 2209 healthy controls. Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients had significantly increased RDW levels compared with healthy controls (SMD =1.399, 95% CI 0.971-1.827, p < 0.001]. Moreover, acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) patients (SMD = 1.309, 95% CI 0.775-1.843, p < 0.001) and cirrhotic patients (SMD = 0.948, 95% CI 0.715-1.180, p < 0.001) had significantly elevated RDW levels compared with CHB patients. However, no statistical significance was obtained in RDW levels between cirrhosis and ACLF (SMD = 0.167, 95% CI -0.382 -0.716, p = 0.051).

CONCLUSION

RDW values were elevated in HBV-related liver diseases and correlated with the disease severity, suggesting that RDW levels may differentiate CHB from healthy controls and ACLF and cirrhosis from CHB but they appear to have no distinguishing characteristic between ACLF and cirrhosis.

The Saudi Diabetic Kidney Disease study (Saudi-DKD): clinical characteristics and biochemical parameters

BACKGROUND

Saudi Arabia is facing an epidemic of type 2 diabetes that is complicated by a high rate of chronic complications such as kidney disease, which have a major impact on the healthcare system and economy. The Saudi diabetic kidney disease (SAUDI-DKD) study was launched to understand the implications of chronic diabetic kidney disease .

OBJECTIVES

Examine the hematological, biochemical and metabolic parameters of the selected cohorts to look for biomarkers of diabetic nephropathy.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional, hospital-based.

SETTING

Four general hospitals and two dialysis centers in Riyadh.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We recruited adult type 2 diabetic patients aged between 35 and 70 years, with a duration of diabetes > 10 years, including subjects with microalbuminuria, macroalbuminuria and end stage renal disease (ESRD). They were compared with subjects with normal albumin excretion classified according to American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The effect of different stages of diabetic nephropathy on hematological and biochemical parameters.

RESULTS

Of 427 subjects with nephropathy, 184 (43%) had microalbuminuria, 83 (19%) had macroalbu.minuria and 160 (37%) had end stage renal disease (ESRD). The remaining 213 (50%) subjects did not have nephropathy. Patients with nephropathy were older with a mean age (SD) of 55.62 (6.00) years and had a longer duration of diabetes (mean [SD], 19.04 [6.33]) years), and had a lower monthly income and body mass index (BMI) than patients without nephropathy. Insulin resistance, elevated uric acid level, low red blood cells (RBCs) count and low hemoglobin level were associated with significantly increased risk of macroalbuminuria and ESRD. Elevated uric acid and LDH were associated with significantly increased risk of microalbuminuria and ESRD, while elevated red blood cell distribution width was significantly associated with an increased risk of ESRD.

CONCLUSION

Diabetic nephropathy is associated with insulin resistance, changes in liver enzymes and uric acid in addition to abnormalities in the red blood cell count and red blood cell shape that warrant frequent monitoring among patients with diabetic kidney disease.

LIMITATIONS

Cross-sectional study design and exclusion of patients with some risk factors.

The Predictive Role of Red Cell Distribution Width in Mortality among Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Background

Recently, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that RDW independently predicts clinically important outcomes in many populations. However, the role of RDW has not been elucidated in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. We conducted the present study with the aim to evaluate the predictive value of RDW in CKD patients.

Methods

A retrospective observational cohort study of 1075 stage 3–5 CKD patients was conducted in a medical center. The patients’ baseline information included demographic data, laboratory values, medications, and comorbid conditions. The upper limit of normal RDW value (14.9%) was used to divide the whole population. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to determine the independent predictors of mortality.

Results

Of the 1075 participants, 158 patients (14.7%) died over a mean follow-up of approximately 2.35 years. The crude mortality rate was significantly higher in the high RDW group (high RDW group, 22.4%; low RDW group 11%, p <0.001). From the adjusted model, the high RDW group was correlated with a hazard ratio of 2.19 for overall mortality as compared with the low RDW group (95% CI = 1.53–3.09, p<0.001). In addition, the high RDW group was also associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (HR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.14–4.25, p = 0.019) and infection (HR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.15–3.14, p = 0.012)) related mortality in comparison with the low RDW group.

Conclusions

In stage 3–5 CKD patients, RDW was associated with patient mortality of all-cause, cardiovascular disease and infection. RDW should be considered as a clinical predictor for mortality when providing healthcare to CKD patients.

Red blood cell distribution width as a simple negative prognostic factor in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a retrospective study

Aim

To determine the prognostic value of baseline red blood cell distribution width (RDW) in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients.

Methods

Data from 81 DLBCL patients diagnosed from 2006 to 2013 at the University Hospital Center Osijek, Osijek, Croatia, were reviewed. We evaluated disease outcome, overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS), and demographic, clinical and laboratory factors affecting outcome. Univariate analysis and Cox regression analysis were used.

Results

Median age of patients was 64 years, 29 were men (35.8%). Higher RDW levels (%) were found in patients with advanced Ann Arbor clinical stage (14.94 ± 1.82 vs 13.55 ± 1.54, P = 0.001) and in those with poor response to therapy (14.94 ± 1.82 vs 13.55 ± 1.54, P = 0.001). Patients with RDW>15% (cut-off was calculated by receiver operating characteristics) had significantly worse OS (median [range], 33 months [20-46] vs 74 months [65-82], P < 0.001) and EFS (27 months [15-40] vs 68 months [59-77], P < 0.001). Cox regression analysis showed that RDW>15% was an independent prognostic factor for OS (HR 3.654, 95% CI 1.128-11.836) and EFS (HR 2.611, 95% CI 1.012-6-739).

Conclusion

High baseline RDW is an independent prognostic marker of poor outcome in patients with DLBCL. RDW could be an easily available and inexpensive marker for the risk stratification in patients with DLBCL.

Red Cell Distribution Width and Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients

BACKGROUND

Red cell distribution width (RDW) is an index of red blood cell volume variability that has historically been used as a marker of iron deficiency anemia. More recently, studies have shown that elevated RDW is associated with higher mortality risk in the general population. However, there is lack of data demonstrating the association between RDW and mortality risk in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We hypothesized that higher RDW is associated with higher mortality in HD patients.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective observational study using a large HD patient cohort.

SETTING & PARTICIPANTS

109,675 adult maintenance HD patients treated in a large dialysis organization from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2011.

PREDICTOR

Baseline and time-varying RDW, grouped into 5 categories: <14.5%, 14.5% to <15.5%, 15.5% to <16.5%, 16.5% to <17.5%, and ≥17.5%. RDW of 15.5% to <16.5% was used as the reference category.

OUTCOME

All-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Mean age of study participants was 63±15 (SD) years and the study cohort was 44% women. In baseline and time-varying analyses, there was a graded association between higher RDW and incrementally higher mortality risk. Receiver operating characteristic, net reclassification analysis, and integrated discrimination improvement analyses demonstrated that RDW is a stronger predictor of mortality as compared with traditional markers of anemia, such as hemoglobin, ferritin, and iron saturation values.

LIMITATIONS

Lack of comprehensive data that may be associated with both RDW and HD patient outcomes, such as blood transfusion data, socioeconomic status, and other unknown confounders; therefore, the possibility of residual confounding could not be excluded. Also, lack of information for cause of death; thus, cardiovascular mortality outcomes could not be examined.

CONCLUSIONS

In HD patients, higher RDW is associated with incrementally higher mortality risk. RDW is also a stronger predictor of mortality than traditional laboratory markers of anemia. Further studies are needed to determine the mechanisms underlying the association between RDW and mortality.

Red blood cell distribution width: A simple parameter with multiple clinical applications

The red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a simple and inexpensive parameter, which reflects the degree of heterogeneity of erythrocyte volume (conventionally known as anisocytosis), and is traditionally used in laboratory hematology for differential diagnosis of anemias. Nonetheless, recent evidence attests that anisocytosis is commonplace in human disorders such as cardiovascular disease, venous thromboembolism, cancer, diabetes, community-acquired pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, liver and kidney failure, as well as in other acute or chronic conditions. Despite some demographic and analytical issues related to the routine assessment that may impair its clinical usefulness, an increased RDW has a high negative predictive value for diagnosing a variety of disorders, but also conveys important information for short- and long-term prognosis. Even more importantly, the value of RDW is now being regarded as a strong and independent risk factor for death in the general population. Although it has not been definitely established whether an increased value of RDW is a risk factor or should only be considered an epiphenomenon of an underlying biological and metabolic imbalance, it seems reasonable to suggest that the assessment of this parameter should be broadened far beyond the differential diagnosis of anemias. An increased RDW mirrors a profound deregulation of erythrocyte homeostasis involving both impaired erythropoiesis and abnormal red blood cell survival, which may be attributed to a variety of underlying metabolic abnormalities such as shortening of telomere length, oxidative stress, inflammation, poor nutritional status, dyslipidemia, hypertension, erythrocyte fragmentation and alteration of erythropoietin function. As such, the aim of this article is to provide general information about RDW and its routine assessment, to review the most relevant implications in health and disease and give some insights about its potential clinical applications.

Predictors of health-related quality of life perceived by end-stage renal disease patients under online hemodiafiltration

PURPOSE

Patients' perception of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a consistent and powerful predictor of the outcome of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients under dialysis. This study aims to identify factors that could affect the HRQOL of ESRD patients under online hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF).

METHODS

We evaluated 322 ESRD patients under OL-HDF (59.63% males; 64.9 ± 14.3 years old) from five dialysis units in the north of Portugal. Socio-demographic data, comorbidities, hematological data, iron status, dialysis adequacy, nutritional and inflammatory markers were collected from patients records. Patient's reported HRQOL score was assessed by using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life-Short Form (KDQOL-SF).

RESULTS

ESRD patients showed a mean (± SD) of 53.17% (± 15.31%) in SF-36 total score, 50.17% (± 9.51%) in the SF-36 mental component summary (MCS) and 49.75% (± 9.44%) in the SF-36 physical component summary (PCS). Red cell distribution width (RDW), feminine gender and diabetes were found as significant predictors of SF-36 total score of HRQOL, which accounts for 12% of the total explained variance. Patient satisfaction, RDW, body mass index and gender were identified as predictors for the PCS, which accounts for 22% of total explained variance. Furthermore, patient satisfaction and dry weight were found as predictors for MCS. These predictors accounted for 28% of the total explained variance.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that the coexistence of diabetes, gender and erythropoietic disturbances are predictors of HRQOL in patients under OL-HDF and suggest that more attention should be given to woman patients, to the improvement of anemia and to diabetic patients, who are more prone to perceive a worst HRQOL.