Association between Red Blood Cell Distribution Width and Diabetic Retinopathy: A 5-Year Retrospective Case-Control Study

Abstract

Purpose. Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) has been regarded as an emerging biomarker of the general population and cardiovascular disease. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between RDW and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods. This case-control study included 167 patients with DR, 131 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), and 170 age- and sex-matched healthy controls from April 2014 to May 2019. Demographic data, laboratory parameters, and ocular examinations were collected. Results. RDW values of the DR group were significantly higher than those of the healthy control ( p < 0.001 ) and DM group ( p = 0.002 ). A similar trend was observed when RDW was compared among the 3 groups with respect to age and gender. Logistic regression analysis has shown the OR of RDW was 3.791 (2.33–6.168; p < 0.001 ) against the control group and was 1.348 (0.997–1.823; p = 0.047 ) against the DM group. Conclusion. RDW values were significantly elevated in DR patients, and an elevated RDW was associated with an increased incidence of DR in patients with DM.

Characteristics of Hematologic Parameters in Young Patients with Retinal Vein Occlusion

“…Systemic inflammation not only affects the survival of red blood cells and platelets but also deforms their membranes [ 12 , 17 , 28 , 29 ]. RDW is a parameter that measures variations in red blood cell size.…”

“…Increased concentrations of various inflammatory cytokines in aqueous humor and serum, such as interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), have been found in patients with RVO and have been shown to be related to the severity of the disease, which suggests that local and systemic inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of RVO [7][8][9][10]. Recently, cell counts in peripheral blood samples and their combinations have been used to evaluate the inflammatory response status of ocular vascular diseases [11][12][13][14][15]. Several parameters, including the mean platelet volume (MPV), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), have been shown to be related to the development of RVO [11,[15][16][17][18][19].…”

ΔRDW: A Novel Indicator with Predictive Value for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Multiple Diseases

“… 53 Higher RDW predicts a higher risk of diabetic complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or diabetic retinopathy. 54 , 55 This was due to the presence of micro- and macro-angiopathy with hyperglycemia that shortens the lifespan of RBCs. 52 The association between ΔRDW and diabetic complications should be further investigated.…”

Association between red blood cell distribution width‐to‐albumin ratio and diabetic retinopathy

“…This suggests that there is poor blood and various hematopoietic abnormalities. It was evident that RDW was generally elevated in patients with diabetes and its complications 16,17 . Moreover, elevated RDW is associated with severe imbalance of RBC homeostasis, abnormal RBC production and survival.…”

“…It was evident that RDW was generally elevated in patients with diabetes and its complications. 16 , 17 Moreover, elevated RDW is associated with severe imbalance of RBC homeostasis, abnormal RBC production and survival. This may be associated with oxidative stress, vascular inflammation, and malnutrition such as iron, vitamin B 12, and folic acid deficiencies.…”