Red cell distribution width and inflammation in patients with non-dipper hypertension

Is Red Cell Distribution Width a Reliable Marker for Cardiovascular Diseases? A Narrative Review

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.

White blood cell and platelet distribution widths are associated with hypertension: data mining approaches

In this paper, we are going to investigate the association between Hypertension (HTN) and routine hematologic indices in a cohort of Iranian adults. The data were obtained from a total population of 9704 who were aged 35-65 years, a prospective study was designed. The association between hematologic factors and HTN was assessed using logistic regression (LR) analysis and a decision tree (DT) algorithm. A total of 9704 complete datasets were analyzed in this cohort study (N = 3070 with HTN [female 62.47% and male 37.52%], N = 6634 without HTN [female 58.90% and male 41.09%]). Several variables were significantly different between the two groups, including age, smoking status, BMI, diabetes millitus, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), uric acid, FBS, total cholesterol, HGB, LYM, WBC, PDW, RDW, RBC, sex, PLT, MCV, SBP, DBP, BUN, and HCT (P < 0.05). For unit odds ratio (OR) interpretation, females are more likely to have HTN (OR = 1.837, 95% CI = (1.620, 2.081)). Among the analyzed variables, age and WBC had the most significant associations with HTN OR = 1.087, 95% CI = (1.081, 1.094) and OR = 1.096, 95% CI = (1.061, 1.133), respectively (P-value < 0.05). In the DT model, age, followed by WBC, sex, and PDW, has the most significant impact on the HTN risk. Ninety-eight percent of patients had HTN in the subgroup with older age (≥58), high PDW (≥17.3), and low RDW (<46). Finally, we found that elevated WBC and PDW are the most associated factor with the severity of HTN in the Mashhad general population as well as female gender and older age.

The Predictive Role of Hematological Parameters in Hypertension

Hypertension (HT) is a common chronic disease that often causes target-organ damage and severe complications, contributing to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. Accumulating evidence suggests that inflammation plays a prominent role in the initiation and progression of HT. Multiple inflammatory biomarkers have been proposed to predict HT. Several new hematological parameters can reflect the inflammatory response and platelet activation. The major advantage of hematological parameters over conventional inflammatory markers is that they are relatively inexpensive and easily obtained from routine blood tests. Numerous studies have investigated several hematological parameters for their utility as predictive biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of HT. Among them, the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte to high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR), red cell distribution width (RDW), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) have recently received attention. We searched PubMed and Embase databases (up to September 18, 2022) to assess the relationships between hematological parameters and HT. This review discusses the diagnostic and prognostic value of these hematological parameters in HT, providing an important basis for early screening, risk stratification, and optimal management of hypertensive patients.

Red blood cell distribution width combined with age as a predictor of acute ischemic stroke in stable COPD patients

Aim

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the independent clinical variables associated with the onset of acute cerebral ischemic stroke (AIS) in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Method

A total of 244 patients with COPD who had not experienced a relapse within 6 months were included in this retrospective study. Of these, 94 patients hospitalized with AIS were enrolled in the study group, and the remaining 150 were enrolled in the control group. Clinical data and laboratory parameters were collected for both groups within 24 h after hospitalization, and the data of the two groups were statistically analyzed.

Results

The levels of age, white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil (NEUT), glucose (GLU), prothrombin time (PT), albumin (ALB), and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) were different in the two groups (P < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that age, WBC, RDW, PT, and GLU were independent risk factors for the occurrence of AIS in patients with stable COPD. Age and RDW were selected as new predictors, and the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were plotted accordingly. The areas under the ROC curves of age, RDW, and age + RDW were 0.7122, 0.7184, and 0.7852, respectively. The sensitivity was 60.5, 59.6, and 70.2%, and the specificity was 72.4, 86.0, and 60.0%, respectively.

Conclusion

The combination of RDW and age in patients with stable COPD might be a potential predictor for the onset of AIS.

Meta-analysis of differences in neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio between hypertensive and non-hypertensive individuals

This study systematically reviewed the evidence regarding differences in the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) level between hypertensive and normotensive individuals as well as between patients with dipper and non-dipper hypertension (HTN). PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched up to 20 December 2021. This was done without any limitation with regard to date, publication, or language. Pooled weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were reported. We assessed the quality of studies based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). In total, 21 studies were included in our study. There was a significant increase in NLR levels for the hypertensive group in comparison to the control group (WMD = 0.40, 95%CI = 0.22-0.57, P < 0.0001). In addition, the NLR levels were higher in the non-dipper than in the dipper group (WMD = 0.58, 95%CI = 0.19-0.97, P = 0.003). Our findings showed that hypertensive patients had higher level of NLR than normotensive individuals.

Associations of Inflammation with Risk of Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality in Adults with Hypertension: An Inflammatory Prognostic Scoring System

BACKGROUND

Inflammation is one of the major pathways in the progression of hypertension (HTN), and the related inflammatory markers have demonstrated certain predictive values. The current study aimed to integrate these markers to construct an inflammatory prognostic scoring (IPS) system and to assess the prognostic values of IPS in patients with HTN.

METHODS

A total of 9846 adult participants with HTN from NHANES 1999-2010 were enrolled and followed up. Demographic characteristics and the related laboratory results for the 12 inflammatory markers were collected. LASSO-COX regression, Kaplan-Meier, restricted cubic spline COX regression (RCS), receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC), and random survival forests (RSF) analysis were applied to explore the values of individual and IPS parameters.

RESULTS

At the census date of follow-up, 2387 (24.2%) were identified as all-cause deaths and 484 (4.9%) as cardiovascular deaths. All inflammatory markers showed certain prognostic values. Then, based on the LAASO analysis, LDH, ALP, LYM, NLR, MLR, SIRI, and RDW were included in the construction of the IPS system. The higher IPS had significantly worse long-term prognosis in Kaplan-Meier analysis (p log-rank <0.001). Also, IPS remained an independent prognosticator compared to the lowest quartile (All p for trend <0.001), and the ROC showed satisfactory values in the long-term prognosis of both cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. RCS further showed a linear association of IPS with cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality (p for non-linearity >0.05). Two different algorithms of RSF, variable importance and minimal depth, to evaluate the prognostic importance showed that IPS was the best in survival prediction.

CONCLUSION

Our results highlight that a higher IPS (system integrating the inflammatory markers) was associated with the increased risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in patients with HTN, suggesting that IPS is a useful method for risk stratification in HTN.

Triglyceride-to-glucose index to detect a non-dipping circadian pattern in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients

Introduction: In this investigation, we aimed to explore the relationship between the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and the non-dipping blood pressure (BP) pattern in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients. Methods: In this retrospective study, 216 consecutive newly diagnosed hypertensive patients who had undergone 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (ABPM) monitoring and had not received anti-hypertensive drugs were included. Non-dipping status was evaluated by a 24-h ABPM monitoring in all patients. We categorized the patients into two groups as; dippers (n=104 cases) and non-dippers (n=112 cases). The TyG index was derived from the fasting triglyceride and fasting glucose levels using the formula; ln[fasting triglyceride (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2]. Results: Non-dipper group had a higher TyG index than the dipper group. The TyG was an independent predictor of non-dipping BP in hypertensive individuals, according to multivariable analysis. The TyG index was negatively associated with a decrease in both systolic and diastolic BP during the nighttime. The ideal cutoff value of the TyG index in detecting non-dipping status was≥9.01 with 74.1% sensitivity and 71.2% specificity. A ROC comparison indicated that the area under the curve value of TyG index was superior to fasting triglyceride, fasting glucose, and homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) in detecting non-dipping BP. Conclusion: The TyG index was an independent predictor of non-dipping status in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients who had undergone 24-hour ABPM monitoring and had not received anti-hypertensive drugs. As a simple and easily obtained parameter, the TyG index can be used to detect such pattern among these patients.

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.

White Blood Cell and Platelet Dynamics Define Human Inflammatory Recovery

Inflammation is the physiologic reaction to cellular and tissue damage caused by pathologic processes including trauma, infection, and ischemia 1 . Effective inflammatory responses integrate molecular and cellular functions to prevent further tissue damage, initiate repair, and restore homeostasis, while futile or dysfunctional responses allow escalating injury, delay recovery, and may hasten death 2 . Elevation of white blood cell count (WBC) and altered levels of other acute phase reactants are cardinal signs of inflammation, but the dynamics of these changes and their resolution are not established 3,4 . Patient responses appear to vary dramatically with no clearly defined signs of good prognosis, leaving physicians reliant on qualitative interpretations of laboratory trends 4,5 . We retrospectively, observationally studied the human acute inflammatory response to trauma, ischemia, and infection by tracking the longitudinal dynamics of cellular and serum markers in hospitalized patients. Unexpectedly, we identified a conserved pattern of recovery defined by co-regulation of WBC and platelet (PLT) populations. Across all inflammatory conditions studied, recovering patients followed a consistent WBC-PLT trajectory shape that is well-approximated by exponential WBC decay and delayed linear PLT growth. This recovery trajectory shape may represent a fundamental archetype of human physiologic response at the cellular population scale, and provides a generic approach for identifying high-risk patients: 32x relative risk of adverse outcomes for cardiac surgery patients, 9x relative risk of death for COVID-19, and 5x relative risk of death for myocardial infarction.

Determinants of reverse dipping blood pressure in normotensive, non-diabetic population with an office measurement below 130/85mmHg

Objective: The role of dipping blood pressure pattern in normotensives is unclear. The study aims to search the circadian blood pressure rhythm and the clinical determinants related to reverse dipping pattern in a strictly selected, normotensive population.Methods: The study population was divided into three groups depending on the nocturnal dipping pattern as dipping, non-dipping, and reverse dipping. Basal clinical characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and spot urine samples from the first-morning void were collected. Clinical determinants related to the presence of reverse dipping pattern were tested by the Multiple Binary Logistic Regression analysis.Results: A total of 233 participants were involved in the study population (median age 45 years [40-50]). Dipping pattern was detected in 55.4%, non-dipping pattern in 33.0%, and reverse dipping pattern in 11.6% of the study population. There was no difference between the groups in terms of basal clinical features. Albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) (p < .001) and hs-CRP levels (p = .006) were also statistically significant across the groups. ACR (HR: 1.195, 95% CI: 1.067-1.338, p = .002) and hs-CRP (HR: 2.438, 95% CI: 1.023-5.808, p = .044) were found to be related to the presence of reverse dipping blood pressure pattern.Conclusions: The absence of nocturnal physiological dipping is seen at a remarkable rate in the normotensive Turkish population. ACR and hs-CRP are the clinical determinants related to the presence of reverse dipping blood pressure pattern.

Relationship between red blood cell distribution width levels and atrial fibrillation in hypertensive patients

Background

Information on the relationship between red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with essential hypertension are scarce. The study aimed to assess the relationship between AF and RDW in hypertensive patients.

Methods

We enrolled 432 hypertensive patients, including 350 AF patients and 82 patients as controls. Patients' demographic, clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic characteristics were recorded. The AF patients were further divided into the persistent and paroxysmal AF subgroups. Electrocardiograms were monitored to identify the cardiac rhythm during blood sampling, and based on the rhythm, the paroxysmal AF group was categorized into the presence (with AF rhythm during blood sampling) and absence (with sinus rhythm during blood sampling) groups.

Results

The AF group had elevated RDW levels than the controls (12.7% ± 0.8% vs. 12.4% ± 0.7%, P = 0.002), and the persistent AF subgroup had higher RDW levels than the paroxysmal AF subgroup (12.9% ± 0.8% vs. 12.6% ± 0.8%, P = 0.007). Furthermore, in the paroxysmal AF group, the presence group had higher RDW levels than the absence group (13.0% ± 0.6% vs. 12.5% ± 0.9%, P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in RDW levels between the persistent AF subgroup and presence group of the paroxysmal AF subgroup (P = 0.533) and between the absence group of the paroxysmal AF subgroup and control group (P = 0.262). In multivariate regression analysis, in hypertensive patients, the presence of AF rhythm is an independent predictor for increased RDW concentration (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

The RDW may be associated with the presence of AF rhythm, which implies the importance of maintaining the sinus rhythm in hypertensive patients.

The relationship between red blood cell distribution width and atrial fibrillation in Asian population: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) was related with increased risk of mortality and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. However, it is uncertain whether RDW is related to the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in Asian population. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between RDW and AF in a large Chinese population.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study to examine the relationship between RDW and AF among 106 998 subjects who were from the Tianjin Chronic Low-grade Systemic Inflammation and Health Cohort Study. AF was diagnosed using electrocardiography, and RDW was measured using an automated hematology analyzer. Multiple logistic regression models were conducted to examine the relation between tertiles of RDW and AF.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of AF was 0.1% (129/106 998). After adjustments for potential confounding factors, the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of AF across increasing tertiles of RDW were 1.00 (reference), 1.08 (0.69, 1.67), and 2.65 (1.75, 4.07) (P for trend < .0001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrated that elevated RDW is significantly related to higher prevalence of AF in a general Chinese population. Large prospective studies are needed to confirm this finding.

Association of simple hematological parameters with disease manifestations, activity, and severity in patients with systemic sclerosis

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), mean platelet volume (MPV), and red cell distribution width (RDW) may potentially reflect inflammatory status in systemic autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between these proposed markers and disease manifestations, activity, and severity in systemic sclerosis (SSc).

METHOD

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 69 systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients and 50 healthy volunteers in a single center. Adult patients with SSc and healthy controls were compared in terms of NLR, MLR, MPV, RDW, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Venous blood samples were drawn after at least 8 h of fasting in the morning. Extension of skin fibrosis was evaluated by using modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS). Disease severity and activity were assessed by Medsger disease severity and European Scleroderma Trials and Research Group (EUSTAR) disease activity scores, respectively. Associations of disease manifestations, clinical, laboratory, and capillaroscopic findings, mRSS, and the disease activity and severity scores with the proposed hematological markers were evaluated. Multiple regression models were generated for significant associations.

RESULTS

The neutrophil number was higher (p = 0.004) and lymphocyte number was lower (p < 0.001) in SSc group compared to controls. SSc group also had higher NLR, MLR, and RDW. In multiple logistic regression, only the NLR (regression coefficient = 3.49, p = 0.031) and CRP (regression coefficient = 0.17, p = 0.037) remained significantly different between SSc and healthy control groups (Cox and Snell R² = 0.243, Nagelkerke R² = 0.337, p < 0.001). NLR and MLR positively correlated with mRSS, EUSTAR score, and CRP. MLR also positively correlated with Medsger score. Higher monocyte counts independently predicted higher EUSTAR and Medsger scores in multiple linear regressions. Patients with digital ulcers had higher NLR and MLR. We did not find any difference in MPV values between SSc and healthy control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Globally available and inexpensive hematological tests, particularly the NLR and MLR, may be associated with vascular and cutaneous manifestations as well as disease activity and severity in SSc.Key Points• Monocyte count itself independently predicted higher activity and severity scores in SSc.• Globally available and inexpensive hematological markers, particularly the NLR and MLR, may have an association with vascular and cutaneous manifestations as well as disease activity and severity in patients with SSc.

The diagnostic and prognostic value of red cell distribution width in cardiovascular disease; current status and prospective

The red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is an index of the heterogeneity of circulating red blood cell size, which along with other standard complete blood count (CBC) parameters are used to identify hematological system diseases. Besides hematological disorders, several clinical studies have shown that an increased in the RDW may be associated with other diseases including acute pancreatitis, chronic kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, and of special interest in this review, cardiovascular disease (CVD). The diagnostic and prognostic value of RDW in different CVD (acute coronary syndrome, ischemic cerebrovascular disease, peripheral artery disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and acute ischemic stroke) has been reviewed in this article, to provide an understanding how its measurement may be applied to improve the management of these conditions.

Evaluation of complete blood count parameters in cardiovascular diseases: An early indicator of prognosis?

BACKGROUND

Studies have been conducted to evaluate the correlation between complete blood count (CBC) indices and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Considering the dispersion of these studies as well as reports on prognostic value of CBC parameters in CVDs, we have summarized these findings as a review article for the first time.

METHODS

Relevant English language literature was searched and retrieved from Google Scholar search engine and PubMed database (1996-2018). We used "Complete blood count", "Cardiovascular disease", "Red cell distribution width", and "Mean platelet volume" as keywords.

RESULTS

Numerous studies indicated that red cell distribution width (RDW) is an independent prognostic biomarker in relation to CVD diseases. MPV is another considerable prognostic biomarker for CVDs. Elevations of inflammatory markers such as neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in CVD patients (especially in myocardial infarction and heart failure) can be considered as a factor of poor prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

RDW can be used as a valuable independent biomarker to investigate the prognosis of patients with heart failure (HF), atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction (MI), and other CVDs. Rapid and stable increase in MPV makes it a reliable prognostic/diagnostic parameter in CVDs such as MI and unstable angina. Among different inflammatory markers the evaluation of total white blood cell count, NLR, monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) may have a high value in predicting the prognosis of different CVDs including MI, HF and atherosclerosis in patients.

A novel method for dipper/non-dipper pattern classification in hypertensive and non-diabetic patients

BACKGROUND

In the classical process, it was proven that ABPM data were the most significant attributes both by physician and ranking algorithms for dipper/non-dipper pattern classification as mentioned in our previous papers. To explore if any algorithm exists that would let the physician skip this diagnosis step is the main motivation of the study.

OBJECTIVE

The main goal of the study is to build up a classification model that could reach a high-performance metrics by excluding ABPM data in hypertensive and non-diabetic patients.

METHODS

The data used in this research have been drawn from 29 hypertensive patients without diabetes in endocrinology clinic of Marmara University in 2011. Five of 29 patient data were later removed from the dataset because of null data.

RESULTS

The findings showed that dipper/non-dipper pattern can be classified by artificial neural network algorithms, the highest achieved performance metrics are accuracy 87.5%, sensitivity 71%, and specificity 94%.

CONCLUSIONS

This novel method uses just two attributes: Ewing-score and HRREP. It offers a fast and low-cost solution when compared with the current diagnosis procedure. This attribute reduction method could be beneficial for different diseases using a big dataset.

Red Cell Distribution Width as a Novel Marker for Different Types of Atrial Fibrillation in Low and High Altitude

Background

Increased red cell distribution width (RDW) can predict the incidence and mortality of cardiovascular diseases. However, there are limited data on the relationship between RDW and altitude and the subtype of atrial fibrillation (AF). We investigated the effects of altitude on RDW in patients with different types of AF.

Methods

A total of 303 patients with nonvalvular AF were included. Of these, 156 lived in low altitude (77 paroxysmal AF, PAF; 79 persistent AF, PeAF) and 147 in high altitude (77 paroxysmal AF, PAF; 70 persistent AF, PeAF). In these groups, baseline characteristics, complete blood counts, serum biochemistry, and echocardiography were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the independent predictors of AF at the different altitudes.

Results

In both low and high altitudes, RDW and left atrial diameter (LAD) were higher in AF than control subjects (P < 0.05) and higher in persistent AF than paroxysmal AF (P < 0.05). Compared with any groups (PAF group, PeAF group, or control group) of low-altitude, RDW and LAD were found higher in high-altitude corresponding groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that RDW, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and LAD levels independently associated with AF patients in low altitude (RDW, OR 1.687, 95% CI 1.021–2.789; P < 0.05), while in high altitude, RDW, MCV, creatinine (Cr), and LAD were independent predictors for AF patients (RDW, OR 1.755, 95% CI 1.179–2.613; P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Elevated RDW levels may be an independent risk marker for nonvalvular AF, affected by type of AF and altitude.

Correlation of hematological indices and ratios derived from them with FIQR scores in fibromyalgia

Objectives:

To determine the hematological indices and ratios derived from them in patients with fibromyalgia and to correlate the scores of Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire Revised (FIQR) with the ratios.

Methods:

This case control study was performed in the College of Pharmacy at Hawler Medical University in Erbil-Iraq, from November 2016 to June 2017, and it included 40 healthy subjects (Group I) and 150 newly diagnosed FM (Group II). The American College of Rheumatology -10 (ACR-10) diagnostic criteria were used in the diagnosis of FM. The scores of the Revised Fibromyalgia Questionnaire Impact (FIQR), and tender points were calculated, and the hematological indices and ratios were determined.

Results:

Group II showed significantly higher mean values of hematological indices and the ratios of neutrophil to lymphocyte (NLR), derived neutrophil to lymphocyte (dNLR) and platelet to lymphocyte (PLR). Group II patients have a significant higher score of FIQR. A significant correlation between the total score of FIQR with the hematological ratios (F=4.143, R=0.355, R²=0.126, p=0.002) with a variability of 12.6%.

Conclusion:

We conclude that the hematological indices are significantly altered and they are significantly correlated with the total score of fibromyalgia impact questionnaire revised.

Red cell distribution width at hospital discharge and out-of hospital outcomes in critically ill non-cardiac vascular surgery patients

Objective

Red cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with mortality and bloodstream infection risk in the critically ill. In vascular surgery patients surviving critical care it is not known if RDW can predict subsequent risk of all-cause mortality following hospital discharge. We hypothesized that an increase in RDW at hospital discharge in vascular surgery patients who received critical care would be associated with increased mortality following hospital discharge.

Design, setting, and participants

We performed a two-center observational cohort study of critically ill non-cardiac vascular surgery patients surviving admission 18 years or older treated between November, 1997, and December 2012 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Exposures

RDW measured within 24 hours of hospital discharge and categorized a priori as ≤13.3%, 13.3–14.0%, 14.0–14.7%, 14.7–15.8%, >15.8%.

Main outcomes and measures

The primary outcome was all cause mortality in the 90 days following hospital discharge.

Results

The cohort included 4,715 patients (male 58%; white 83%; mean age 62.9 years). 90 and 365-day post discharge mortality was 7.5% and 14.4% respectively. In the cohort, 47.3% were discharged to a care facility and 14.8% of patients were readmitted within 30 days. After adjustment for age, gender, race, Deyo-Charlson comorbidity Index, patient type, acute organ failures, prior vascular surgery and vascular surgery category, patients with a discharge RDW 14.7–15.8% or >15.8% have an adjusted OR of 90-day post discharge mortality of 2.52 (95%CI, 1.29–4.90; P = 0.007) or 5.13 (95%CI, 2.70–9.75; P <0.001) relative to patients with a discharge RDW ≤13.3%. The adjusted odds of 30-day readmission in the RDW >15.8% group was 1.52 (95%CI, 1.12–2.07; P = 0.007) relative to patients with a discharge RDW ≤13.3%. Similar adjusted discharge RDW-outcome associations are present at 365 days following hospital discharge and for discharge to a care facility.

Conclusions

In critically ill vascular surgery patients who survive hospitalization, an elevated RDW at hospital discharge is a strong predictor of subsequent mortality, hospital readmission and placement in a care facility. Patients with elevated RDW are at high risk for adverse out of hospital outcomes and may benefit from closer post discharge follow-up and higher intensity rehabilitation.

Impact of Chronic Inflammation, Assessed by hs-CRP, on the Association between Red Cell Distribution Width and Arterial Cardiovascular Disease: The Tromsø Study

Red cell distribution width (RDW), a measure of variability in size of circulating erythrocytes, is associated with arterial cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the impact of chronic inflammation as measured by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) on this relationship, and explore whether RDW could be a mediator in the causal pathway between inflammation and arterial CVD. Baseline characteristics, including RDW and hs-CRP, were obtained from 5,765 individuals attending a population-based cohort study. We followed up participants from inclusion in the fourth survey of the Tromsø Study (1994/1995) until December 31, 2012. Multivariable Cox-regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for incident myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemic stroke across quintiles of hs-CRP and RDW. Subjects with hs-CRP in the highest quintile had 44% higher risk of MI (HR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.14-1.80), and 64% higher risk of ischemic stroke (HR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.20-2.24) compared with subjects in the lowest quintile. RDW mediated 7.2% (95% CI: 4.0-30.8%) of the association between hs-CRP and ischemic stroke. Subjects with RDW in the highest quintile had 22% higher risk of MI (HR: 1.22, 95% CI: 0.98-1.54) and 44% higher risk of ischemic stroke (HR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.06-1.97) compared with subjects in the lowest quintile. These risk estimates were slightly attenuated after adjustments for hs-CRP. Our findings suggest that chronic inflammation is not a primary mechanism underlying the relationship between RDW and arterial CVD.

Inverted U-shaped curve relationship between red blood cell distribution width and hypertension in a large health checkup population in China

This study was aimed at investigating the relationship between red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and hypertension in a large health check up population in China. A population of 302,527 subjects from Wuhu was enrolled in this cross-sectional health check up study between 2011 and 2016. They consisted of 126,369 women (41.78%) and 176,158 men (58.23%) with mean age of 46.9 ± 13.4 and 48.1 ± 13.7 years, respectively. The investigations included information on demographic characteristics, physical examination, and laboratory testing. Inverted U-shape relationships were observed between RDW and hypertension with peak RDW values of 14.2 (women) and 15.2 (men). After stratification by sex and adjusted with body mass index, age, white blood cells, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, inverted U-shape relationships were also established between RDW and hypertension, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure, with peak RDW of 14.2, 14.5, 14.5 in women and 14.2, 16.0, 14.5 in men. Inverted U-shape relationship exists between RDW and hypertension, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure among the Chinese health check up population studied.

Red blood cell distribution width as a predictor of atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Current evidence suggests that a higher red blood cell distribution width (RDW) may be associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) development. Given that some controversial results have been published, we conducted a systematic review of the current literature along with a comprehensive meta-analysis to evaluate the association between RDW and AF development.

METHODS

We performed a systematic search of the literature using electronic databases (PubMed, Ovid, Embase, and Web of Science) to identify studies reporting on the association between RDW and AF development published until June 2016. We used both fix-effects and random-effects models to calculate the overall effect estimate. An I²  > 50% indicates at least moderate statistical heterogeneity. A sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were performed to find the origin of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

A total of 12 studies involving 2721 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The standardized mean difference in the RDW levels between patients with and those without AF development was 0.66 units (P < .05; 95% confidence interval 0.44-0.88). A significant heterogeneity between the individual studies was observed (P < .05; I²  = 80.4%). A significant association between the baseline RDW levels and AF occurrence or recurrence following cardiac procedure or surgery was evident (SMD: 0.61; 95% confidence interval 0.33-0.88; P < .05) with significant heterogeneity across the studies (I²  = 80.7%; P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our comprehensive meta-analysis suggests that higher levels of RDW are associated with an increased risk of AF in different populations.

Red cell distribution width and homocysteine act as independent risk factors for cardiovascular events in newly diagnostic essential hypertension

Hyperhomocysteinemia and increased red cell distribution width (RDW) are associated with a higher possibility of adverse clinical outcomes of hypertension. The study aims to validate the effect of homocysteine (Hcy) and RDW on cardiovascular events (CVE) and investigate whether RDW is independently associated with serum Hcy in patients with essential hypertension (EH). The study reviewed 804 patients with newly diagnosed EH in our hospital. The clinical characteristics and laboratory results of all subjects were grouped according to the presence/absence of CVE. Patients in the CVE group had higher RDW and Hcy, as compared to the patients in the no CVE group. Multiple Cox regression analysis demonstrated that both RDW (HR = 1.24, 95% CI =1.02-1.56, P = 0.002) and Hcy (HR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.02-1.80, P < 0.001) resulted significantly related to the CVE. Subsequent analysis found that patients with high RDW had higher Hcy levels as compared with those with low RDW (P = 0.007). Although Pearson's correlation suggested that RDW was positively correlated with Hcy (r = 0.122, P = 0.028), no significant correlation was observed between RDW and Hcy (β = 0.15, p = 0.126) after adjusted for a series of potential confounders using multiple linear regression analysis. In conclusion, RDW is not correlated with Hcy in patients with EH. Both RDW and Hcy are independent risk factors for CVE in newly diagnostic EH and have the potential to improve risk stratification.

Association Between Red Blood Cell Distribution Width and All-cause Mortality in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Considering results among previous studies regarding the relationship of red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and all-cause mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, we aimed to perform a comprehensive meta-analysis to evaluate the potential association between RDW and all-cause mortality in CKD patients.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature using electronic databases (PubMed, Ovid, Embase and Web of Science) to identify the studies reporting the association between RDW and all-cause mortality in CKD patients. We searched the literatures published December 2016 or earlier. We used both fix-effects and random-effects models to calculate the overall effect estimate. A sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were performed to find the origin of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

We retrieved 9 studies with a total of 117,047 patients. For every 1% increase in RDW, the risk of all-cause mortality increased by 47% (HR 1.47, 95% CI 1.35-1.61) with no statistical heterogeneity among the studies (I² = 44.5%, p = 0.094). When RDW was entered as a categorical variable, mortality risk was significantly increased (HR 1.84, 95% CI 1.21-2.81). Heterogeneity among the studies was observed for all-cause mortality (I² = 82.3%, p = 0.001). We also performed a predefined subgroup analyses according to study population. We found that for every 1% increase in RDW, the risk of all-cause mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients increased by 36% (HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.20-1.53).

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis suggests that high levels of RDW probably increase the risk of all-cause mortality in CKD patients.

Red Blood Cell Distribution Width: A Novel Predictive Indicator for Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases

The red blood cell distribution width (RDW) obtained from a standard complete blood count (CBC) is a convenient and inexpensive biochemical parameter representing the variability in size of circulating erythrocytes. Over the past few decades, RDW with mean corpuscular volume (MCV) has been used to identify quite a few hematological system diseases including iron-deficiency anemia and bone marrow dysfunction. In recent years, many clinical studies have proved that the alterations of RDW levels may be associated with the incidence and prognosis in many cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs). Therefore, early detection and intervention in time of these vascular diseases is critical for delaying their progression. RDW as a new predictive marker and an independent risk factor plays a significant role in assessing the severity and progression of CVDs. However, the mechanisms of the association between RDW and the prognosis of CVDs remain unclear. In this review, we will provide an overview of the representative literatures concerning hypothetical and potential epidemiological associations between RDW and CVDs and discuss the underlying mechanisms.

Increased red cell distribution width levels in children with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis

PURPOSE

Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) is an inflammatory disease of the conjunctiva. Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a widely accepted inflammatory marker. We aimed to investigate whether RDW level is associated with the development of SAC in pediatric population.

METHODS

The present study consisted of 90 subjects (45 children with SAC and 45 age- and sex-matched healthy children). The demographic findings, complete blood count parameters including RDW and laboratory parameters, were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean RDW levels were significantly higher in children with SAC compared to the control group (14.02 ± 0.82 vs. 13.26 ± 0.64%, respectively, p < 0.001). In receiver operating characteristic analysis, the area under the curve for RDW for predicting SAC was 0.786, and a RDW value of 13.45 or higher predicted SAC with a sensitivity of 75.6% and specificity of 65%.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that elevated RDW levels are significantly associated with SAC in pediatric population, which may imply a possible role of increased inflammatory status and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of SAC.

Association of hematocrit with blood pressure and hypertension

BACKGROUND

Hypertension (HTN) is a risk factor for stroke, renal failure, and cardiovascular disease. The association between biochemical and hematological parameters with high blood pressure may provide a more precise approach to risk prediction conferred by HTN in these patients.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of current study was to explore whether biochemical and hematological parameters are associated with HTN in a cohort study with a 7-year follow-up.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 9808 individuals were enrolled and recruited as part of the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorders (MASHAD) cohort study, and biochemical and hematological factors were measured in all subjects. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to determine the association of biochemical and hematological parameters with HTN.

RESULTS

Several biochemical parameters including fasting plasma glucose (FBG), serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and uric acid were increased in hypertensive participants. In contrast, serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was lower in hypertensive individuals. Furthermore, we demonstrated that hematological parameters including white blood cell (WBC) count, red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) were higher in the hypertensive group compared to the control group. But mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and red cell distribution width (RDW), were decreased in the hypertensive group. Furthermore, our results strongly suggested that among these parameters, hematocrit was the independent risk factor for hypertension in the population.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated the association of altered biochemical and hematological factors with hypertension supporting the value of emerging markers for early prediction of high blood pressure in prone individuals.

Importance of Mean Red Cell Distribution Width in Hypertensive Patients

PURPOSE

Red cell distribution width (RDW), expressed in femtoliters (fl), is a measure of the variation in the size of circulating erythrocytes and is often expressed as a direct measurement of the width of the distribution. We aim to observe the mean value of red cell distribution width (RDW) in hypertensive patients. Increased RDW can be used as a tool for early diagnosis, as an inflammatory marker, and a mortality indicator in hypertensive patients due to its close relation to inflammation.

MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY

Hypertensive patients who had the condition for more than one year duration, diagnosed according to the Joint National Committee (JNC 7) criteria were subjected to complete blood count and RDW measurement. One hundred patients, aged between 12 years and 65 years were enrolled from the outpatient department of medicine at the Military Hospital Rawalpindi.

RESULTS

The mean age (± SD) of the patients was 51.48 ± 10.08 years. Out of 100 patients 69% were males whereas 31% were females. The overall frequency of hypertension more than five years was 55% subjects whereas 45% individuals had duration of hypertension less than five years. Mean RDW in females was found to be 49.35±8.42 fl while mean RDW in males was 44.78±7.11 fl. An independent sample t-test was applied to assess if there was any significant difference between age and gender. No significant difference between age and gender was found (p<0.05). The Mann-Whitney test was used to assess any association of RDW with gender. RDW values in females was found to be statistically significantly higher than in males (U=603, p=0.01). Linear regression showed that mean RDW value increased with increasing age (P <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A significant number of patients with hypertension have increased levels of RDW. Therefore, it is recommended that serum RDW should be checked regularly in patients with hypertension.

Red blood cell distribution width: A simple parameter in preeclampsia

OBJECTIVE

Preeclampsia is a serious disease and a leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Red blood cell distribution width (RDW), a measure of anisocytosis, is used as an inflammation marker in hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Although the relationship between RDW and hypertension has been well documented, the association between preeclampsia and RDW is not clear. We aimed to investigate the relationship between RDW and preeclampsia and its severity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred eighteen pregnant women with preeclampsia and one hundred twenty uncomplicated pregnant women were included in the study. Blood samples for routine CBC and RDW levels were analyzed.

RESULTS

The RDW values were significantly higher in preeclampsia group compared with the control group (15.23±1.96 vs 14.48±1.70, p<0.05). We also confirmed that RDW levels were significantly higher in severe preeclampsia group than mild preeclampsia group in subgroup analyses (15.08±2.07, 15.92±1.99, p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that there is an association between RDW and preeclampsia and also its severity. RDW, a marker which is easy, inexpensive and calculated as a part of blood cell count, can be used as a significant diagnostic and prognostic marker in patient with preeclampsia like the other cardiovascular diseases.

Relationship between red blood cell distribution width and early-stage renal function damage in patients with essential hypertension

BACKGROUND

Red cell distribution (RDW) has been suggested to be associated with cardiovascular mortality and mortality. However, few studies have yet investigated the possible association between RDW and early-stage renal function damage in patients with primary hypertension without receiving drug treatment. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to evaluate early-stage renal function status in patients with RDW levels.

RESULTS

The study included 513 primary hypertension patients (319 men and 194 women) without receiving drug treatment. Significant positive correlation was observed between albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) and RDW in hypertensive patients (r = 0.531, P < 0.001). In multivariate line regression analysis, night-time SBP (B = 0.042, P < 0.001), ACR (B = 0.005, P < 0.001), and uric acid (B = 0.001, P = 0.022) were positive predictors of RDW independent of age, sex, hemoglobin, and other indexes, whereas daytime SBP (B = -0.019, P < 0.001) was inversely associated with RDW. The receiver operating characteristics curves (ROC) explored the relationship between renal function status and RDW, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum creatinine, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. The area under the curve was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.77-0.85; P < 0.001), 0.45 (95% CI: 0.39-0.50; P = 0.049), 0.49 (95% CI: 0.43-0.54; P = 0.583), and 0.49 (95% CI: 0.44-0.55; P = 0.811), respectively. Using a cutoff point of 12.8, the RDW predicted renal function status (ACR) with a sensitivity of 76% and a specificity of 70%.

CONCLUSION

RDW, as an easy and quick measurable index, can predict early-stage renal function damage in essential hypertensive patients without receiving drug treatment.

The relationship between red blood cell distribution width and blood pressure abnormal dipping in patients with essential hypertension: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with the blood pressure (BP) reverse-dipper pattern in patients with hypertension.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Single centre.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with essential hypertension were included in our study (n=708). The exclusion criteria included age <18 or >90 years, incomplete clinical data, night workers, diagnosis of secondary hypertension, under antihypertensive treatment, intolerance for the 24 h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) and BP reading success rate <70%.

MEASUREMENT

Physical examination and ABPM were performed for all patients in our study. The value of RDW was measured using an automated haematology analyser.

STATISTICAL METHODS

The distribution of RDW in patients with hypertension among different circadian BP pattern groups was analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Multinomial logistic regression was applied to explore the associations of RDW and other relevant variables with ABPM results.

RESULTS

There was significantly increased RDW in reverse dippers (13.52 ± 1.05) than dippers (13.25 ± 0.85) of hypertension (p=0.012). Moreover, multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that RDW (OR 1.325, 95% CI 1.037 to 1.692, p=0.024) and diabetes mellitus (OR 2.286, 95% CI 1.380 to 3.788, p=0.001) were significantly different when comparing the reverse-dipper BP pattern with the dipper pattern. However, there was no difference of RDW between the non-dipper pattern and the reverse-dipper pattern (OR 1.036, 95% CI 0.867 to 1.238, p=0.693). In addition to this, RDW was negatively correlated with the decline rate of nocturnal systolic BP (r=-0.113; p=0.003) and diastolic BP (r=-0.101; p=0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggested that RDW might associate with the abnormal dipper BP patterns of either reverse dipping or non-dipping homogeneously examined with 24 h ABPM.

A Dormant Microbial Component in the Development of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is a complex, multisystem disorder that remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in pregnancy. Four main classes of dysregulation accompany PE and are widely considered to contribute to its severity. These are abnormal trophoblast invasion of the placenta, anti-angiogenic responses, oxidative stress, and inflammation. What is lacking, however, is an explanation of how these themselves are caused. We here develop the unifying idea, and the considerable evidence for it, that the originating cause of PE (and of the four classes of dysregulation) is, in fact, microbial infection, that most such microbes are dormant and hence resist detection by conventional (replication-dependent) microbiology, and that by occasional resuscitation and growth it is they that are responsible for all the observable sequelae, including the continuing, chronic inflammation. In particular, bacterial products such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), also known as endotoxin, are well known as highly inflammagenic and stimulate an innate (and possibly trained) immune response that exacerbates the inflammation further. The known need of microbes for free iron can explain the iron dysregulation that accompanies PE. We describe the main routes of infection (gut, oral, and urinary tract infection) and the regularly observed presence of microbes in placental and other tissues in PE. Every known proteomic biomarker of "preeclampsia" that we assessed has, in fact, also been shown to be raised in response to infection. An infectious component to PE fulfills the Bradford Hill criteria for ascribing a disease to an environmental cause and suggests a number of treatments, some of which have, in fact, been shown to be successful. PE was classically referred to as endotoxemia or toxemia of pregnancy, and it is ironic that it seems that LPS and other microbial endotoxins really are involved. Overall, the recognition of an infectious component in the etiology of PE mirrors that for ulcers and other diseases that were previously considered to lack one.

Red Cell Distribution Width as an Independent Predictor of Long-Term Mortality in Hip Fracture Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) has been found to be a significant prognostic factor of mortality in many cardiovascular diseases. However, a link between RDW at admission with long-term mortality in the hip fracture population has not been well established. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the long-term prognostic value of RDW in a well-defined hip fracture cohort, and to compare the effect of RDW in patients with and without anemia. A prospective cohort study was performed on 1479 hip fracture patients admitted at the General Hospital of Chinese PLA between January 2000 and October 2011 with a follow-up study over a 2-year period. A total of 1479 patients were used for the evaluation of 2-year all-cause mortality, while 804 patients with more than 4 years of follow-up were extracted for further evaluation of 4-year all-cause mortality. Cox proportional regression was used to evaluate the association between admission RDW and long-term mortality, adjusting for potential confounding variables. Higher RDW values were strongly associated with increased all-cause mortality. After adjusting for age, mean corpuscular volume, admission hemoglobin, comorbidities, and complications, RDW had a significant independent association with both 2-year mortality with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.183 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.017 to 1.376) and 4-year mortality with an HR of 1.244 (95% CI, 1.052 to 1.471). In stratified analysis, the effect of RDW was even more pronounced, with 2-year mortality HR of 1.341 (95% CI, 1.095 to 1.643) and 4-year mortality HR of 1.345 (95% CI, 1.071 to 1.688) in non-anemic patients. In non-anemic patients, elevated RDW values are significantly associated with increased odds of all-cause mortality, implying that RDW may be a possible laboratory biomarker for risk stratification in non-anemic hip fracture patients. Further studies are needed to confirm the current finding in different and larger hip fracture cohorts.

Red blood cell distribution width and cardiovascular diseases

BACKGROUND

The red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a rather simple measure of red blood cell (RBC) size heterogeneity (i.e., anisocytosis), which is easily calculated by dividing the standard deviation (SD) of erythrocyte volumes for the mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Emerging evidence suggests that, besides RBC abnormalities, many human disorders may be frequently associated with a high degree of anisocytosis.

METHODS

In this narrative review, we analyzed the current scientific literature about the putative role and the potential epidemiologic association between RDW and cardiovascular diseases. The findings of the most representative epidemiological studies were summarized and discussed.

RESULTS

Overall, considerable and convincing evidence has been brought that an increased RDW value is associated with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) [including acute myocardial infarction (AMI)], ischemic cerebrovascular disease (including stroke), peripheral artery disease (PAD), as well as with atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure (HF) and hypertension. Higher anisocytosis also significantly and independently predicts adverse outcomes in patients with these conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the role of anisocytosis in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases remains uncertain, the considerable evidence available so far suggests that the clinical use of RDW may be broadened beyond the conventional boundaries of erythrocyte disorders, in particular for assisting the diagnosis and prognostication of patients with ACS, ischemic cerebrovascular disease, PAD, HF and AF.

Red cell distribution width is associated with future risk of incident stroke. The Tromsø Study

Red cell distribution width (RDW), a measure of the variability in size of the circulating erythrocytes, is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We aimed to investigate whether RDW was associated with incident stroke and case fatality in subjects recruited from the general population. Baseline characteristics were obtained from 25,992 subjects participating in the fourth survey of the Tromsø Study, conducted in 1994/95. Incident stroke was registered from inclusion until December 31, 2010. Cox regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for stroke, adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, haemoglobin level, white blood cell count, thrombocyte count, hypertension, total cholesterol, triglycerides, self-reported diabetes, and red blood cell count. During a median follow-up of 15.8 years, 1152 participants experienced a first-ever stroke. A 1% increment in RDW yielded a 13% higher risk of stroke (multivariable HR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.07-1.20). Subjects with RDW in the highest quintile compared to the lowest had a 37% higher risk of stroke in multivariable analysis (HR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.11-1.69). Subjects with RDW above the 95-percentile had 55% higher risk of stroke compared to those in the lowest quintile (HR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.16-2.06). All risk estimates remained unchanged after exclusion of subjects with anaemia (n=1102). RDW was not associated with increased risk of death within one year or during the entire follow-up after an incident stroke. RDW is associated with incident stroke in a general population, independent of anaemia and traditional atherosclerotic risk factors.

Clinical implication of hematological indices in the essential hypertension

Prognostic value of haematological indices, especially red cell distribution width, neutrophil lymphocyte ratio and mean platelet volume, was reported with numerous investigations in miscellaneous cardiovascular settings. Their major prognostic value was linked to oxidative stress and inflammation since their level was correlated with major inflammatory markers such as high sensitive C-reactive protein and interleukins. Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are also postulated as the main pathophysiologic mechanism of essential hypertension (HT) and its vascular complication. Recently, correlation between HT and haematological parameters was searched in numerous studies, which has made the topic more popular. Herein, we reveal the correlation between haematological indices and HT and we also demonstrate the clinical implication of this correlation. Impaired haematological parameters may strongly indicate hypertensive end-organ damage.

New inflammatory markers for prediction of non-dipper blood pressure pattern in patients with essential hypertension: Serum YKL-40/Chitinase 3-like protein 1 levels and echocardiographic epicardial adipose tissue thickness

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether YKL-40 levels and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness were associated with non-dipping pattern in essential hypertension (HT). Age- and sex-matched 40 dipper hypertensive patients and 40 non-dipper hypertensive patients were included in the study. Non-dippers had significantly increased EAT thickness and higher YKL-40 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels than dippers. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the EAT thickness and serum levels of YKL-40 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were independent predictors of non-dipping pattern in essential HT. In essential HT, presence of non-dipping pattern is associated with increased inflammatory response.

Red cell distribution width and inappropriateness of left ventricular mass in patients with untreated essential hypertension

Background

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was suggested to be an important risk factor for hypertensive vascular complications. Previous studies had also shown that red cell distribution width (RDW) was associated with morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular disease. However, few have yet investigated possible association between RDW and LVH. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between LVH and RDW levels in hypertensive patients.

Methods

Physical examination, laboratory tests and echocardiography were conducted in 330 untreated newly diagnosed hypertensive patients attending the cardiology consultation unit at the Anzhen Hospital of Beijing. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to verify the independent association between RDW and LVH.

Results

174 patients without LVH and 156 patients with LVH were rolled in the study. The patients with LVH had higher mean SBP, albumin to creatinine ratio, total cholesterol, RDW and fasting glucose compared with non-LVH group. The mean HDL-cholesterol level was significantly lower in patients with LVH than patients without LVH. The multiple logistic regression model suggested that patients with a higher RDW level were more likely to be LVH (OR=2.187, 95%CI: 1.447-3.307, P<0.001). Other predictive factors for LVH were mean SBP, serum creatinine, glucose level. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves indicated area under the curve was 0.688(95%CI: 0.635-0.737, P<0.001) with a cut-off value of 12.9, the RDW predicted LVH status among hypertensive patients with a sensitivity of 72.4% and a specificity of 60.3%.

Conclusions

The higher RDW level was observed in the LVH group compared with the non-LVH group. RDW might be associated with LVH in hypertensive patients. These data highlight the role of RDW as a predictor of organ damage in essential hypertensive patients.

Red cell distribution width and neurological scoring systems in acute stroke patients

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the association between the red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Canadian Neurological Scale (CNS), and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores in patients who had acute ischemic stroke.

METHODS

This prospective observational cohort study included 88 patients who have had acute ischemic stroke and a control group of 40 patients who were evaluated in the Emergency Department for disorders other than acute ischemic stroke. All subjects had RDW determined, and stroke patients had scoring with the GCS, CNS, and NIHSS scores. The GCS, CNS, and NIHSS scores of the patients were rated as mild, moderate, or severe and compared with RDW.

RESULTS

Stroke patients had significantly higher median RDW than control subjects. The median RDW values were significantly elevated in patients who had more severe rather than milder strokes rated with all three scoring systems (GCS, CNS, and NIHSS). The median RDW values were significantly elevated for patients who had moderate rather than mild strokes rated by GCS and CNS and for patients who had severe rather than mild strokes rated by NIHSS. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.760 (95% confidence interval, 0.676-0.844). Separation of stroke patients and control groups was optimal with RDW 14% (sensitivity, 71.6%; specificity, 67.5%; accuracy, 70.3%).

CONCLUSION

In stroke patients who have symptoms <24 hours, the RDW may be useful in predicting the severity and functional outcomes of the stroke.

Is increased red cell distribution width an indicating marker of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and fibrotic stage?

Red cell distribution width (RDW) may play an important role in predicting steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis. In the original study, it was aimed to determine whether RDW could be used for this purpose or not. There are studies indicating that higher RDW is correlated well with components of metabolic syndrome. Because nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is now recognized as the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, possible impact of the accompanying confounders on the study findings should have been detailed. There may be a patient selection bias due to use of improper cut-off values for alcohol consumption and inclusion of only subjects with normal aminotransferase levels and normal abdominal ultrasonography. Patients without hepatosteatosis on ultrasonography and with any restriction of aminotransferase levels should have been included in the control group, because isolated aminotransferase elevation is not decisive in the diagnosis of hepatosteatosis. Although iron, vitamin B₁₂ and folic acid deficiencies were included in exclusion criteria, functional forms of these molecules like methylmalonic acid, homocysteine, ferritin levels and total iron binding capacity, which are more sensitive and specific parameters for vitamin B₁₂ and folic acid deficiencies, were not mentioned. Consequently, RDW, an inexpensive, non-invasive, but powerful indicator overlooked on whole blood analysis, itself without other inflammatory markers may not accurately provide information about progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and fibrosis.

Comparison of inflammatory markers in non-dipper hypertension vs. dipper hypertension and in normotensive individuals: uric acid, C-reactive protein and red blood cell distribution width readings

Aim

In this study, we investigated the relationship of increased inflammatory parameters (C-reactive protein – CRP), oxidative stress markers (serum uric acid – SUA) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) with non-dipper hypertension (NDHT).

Material and methods

Among the individuals who presented to the cardiology clinic, 40 patients (32.5% male, 67.5% female; mean age: 54.4 ±7.1) who had hypertension and were diagnosed with NDHT through ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, 40 age- and sex-matched dipper hypertension (DHT) patients (25% male, 75% female, mean age: 54.2 ±7.0), and 40 normotensive individuals (42.5% male, 57.5% female, mean age: 51.9 ±9.0) were enrolled in the study. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from all the patients in order to evaluate the hematological and biochemical parameters. All the assessed parameters were compared among the groups.

Results

The CRP, RDW and uric acid levels were observed to be significantly higher in the non-dipper hypertension group in comparison to the dipper hypertension patients and the normotensive population (p < 0.05). These parameters were also significantly higher in the dipper HT group compared to the normotensive population (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

We found in our study that increased CRP, uric acid and RDW levels, which are indicators of increased inflammation and oxidative stress, are significantly higher in the non-dipper HT patients in comparison to the dipper HT patients and control group.

The relationship between red-cell distribution width and abnormal left ventricle geometric patterns in patients with untreated essential hypertension

Abnormal left ventricle (LV) geometric patterns are associated with an increased risk of vascular complications of hypertension (HT). The association between red-cell distribution width (RDW) and HT has been recently investigated; however, the relationship between abnormal LV geometric patterns and RDW has not been studied before. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between RDW and abnormal LV geometric patterns in patients with untreated essential HT. Measurements were obtained from 139 patients with untreated essential HT (mean age=51.3±16.3 years). Four different geometric patterns (NG, normal geometry; CR, concentric remodeling; EH, eccentric hypertrophy; CH, concentric hypertrophy) were determined according to the LV mass index (LVMI) and relative wall thickness (RWT). RDW, lipid parameters and other biochemical markers were measured in all patients. While the highest RDW values were detected in the CH group (P<0.05, for all), it was similar among the NG, CR and EH groups (P>0.05, for all). RDW was associated with age, LVMI and LV geometry in bivariate analysis (P<0.05, for all). In a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, a level of RDW>14.5 predicted CH with 81% sensitivity and 59% specificity. Age (beta=0.309, P=0.001), LV geometry type (beta=0.228, P=0.01) and RWT (beta=-0.278; P=0.25) were independent predictors of high RDW in multiple linear regression analysis. In conclusion, the highest RDW values were observed in the CH group in the untreated essential HT patients. RDW seems to be a useful tool for the prediction of end-organ damage in patients with untreated essential HT.

Is there any relationship between RDW levels and atrial fibrillation in hypertensive patient?

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and increases the risk of stroke and death. Patients with hypertensive have an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation. RDW (Red blood cell distribution width) levels are elevated in cardiovascular disorders including heart failure, stable coronary disease, acute coronary syndrome, slow coronary flow and stroke.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the relation between RDW and AF in patients with hypertensive.

METHOD

We retrospectively examined 126 consecutive hypertensive patients (63 hypertensive patients with AF and 63 hypertensive patients without AF matched with age and sex.

RESULTS

The mean age of the study population was 71,09± 8,50 (af group) and 70,97±8,24 (non-af group) years. RDW level was different among patients with atrial fibrillation and without atrial fibrillation.(15,13±1,58 and 14,05±1,15 p<001) . Logistic regression analysis showed that RDW and left atrial dimension were only independently risk factory associated with atrial fibrillation. (Rdw odds ratio:1,846 CI; 1,221-2,793 p<0,05). Roc curve analyses were applied to determine the cut-off point. Cut-off point was at 14,195 and Sensitive, specificity was %71,4, %56 respectively.

CONCLUSION

RDW levels were higher in hypertensive patients with atrial fibrillation. An increased RDW level in the patient with hypertension may alert physician on developing or presence of atrial fibrillation.