Red Cell Distribution Width and Mortality in Older Adults: A Meta-analysis

Abstract

RDW is a routinely reported test that is a powerful predictor of mortality in community-dwelling older adults with and without age-associated diseases. The biologic mechanisms underlying this association merit investigation.

Association between red blood cell distribution width and macrovascular and microvascular complications in diabetes

“…Previous prospective studies have described a role of RDW as a predictive marker for CVD morbidity and mortality in several populations [4][5][6][7]. Also, in a recent meta-analysis, Patel et al confirmed the relationship between RDW and increased risk of all-cause mortality in a subgroup of diabetic participants [28]. However, that meta-analysis was focused on elderly participants and did not investigate the specific relationship between RDW and vascular complications.…”

Red Cell Distribution Width as a Predictor of Prostate Cancer Progression

“…Some previous studies and a meta-analysis demonstrated that RDW is a potent predictor of all-cause mortality, including cancer-related deaths (Patel et al, 2009;Perlstein et al, 2009;Patel et al, 2010). There is also a strong, graded association between RDW and inflammatory biomarkers (fibrinogen, serum C-reactive protein [CRP], and erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR]), which is independent of numerous confounding factors (Cakal et al, 2009;Lippi et al, 2009).…”

Relationship between Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis and Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (RDW)

“…Higher RDW values indicate increase in variations of RBC volume. It is mainly used for the differential diagnosis of microcytic anemia [11,12].…”