Red Blood Cell Distribution Width as a Predictor of Clinical Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Background: High red cell distribution width (RDW) has been demonstrated as a powerful predictor of mortality in patients with heart failure, myocardial infarction, and peripheral artery disease, as well as in the general population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of RDW as a predictor of stroke severity and functional outcome of acute ischemic stroke patients. Patients and methods: From August 2016 to October 2017, 150 consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients and 150 non stroke patients were enrolled to this analytical case- control study. The prognostic value of RDW was assessed using logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: Mean RDW level in the patients group was 15.4±1.8 and in the control group was 13.66±1.41 and this difference was of high statistical significance (p <0.001). RDW values higher than 14.6 increased the risk of stroke several folds (odds ratio 4.38; p value < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that, higher RDW was associated with a significant poor functional outcome in patients with acute cerebral infarction. Conclusion: RDW values can predict the occurrence, severity and functional outcome of acute ischemic stroke.