Correlation of the Red Blood Cell Distribution Width with Severity and Outcomes of Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Niveditha K G Malavika; Veena J Pinto

doi:10.37022/wjcmpr.v8i3.461

Authors

Niveditha Malavika K G Senior Resident, Department of General Medicine, Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Thiruvalla, Kerala.
Veena J Pinto Professor, Department of General Medicine, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore.

Abstract

Background: Red cell distribution width (RDW) has emerged as a potential marker of systemic disease severity. This study evaluated its association with severity and clinical outcomes in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).

Methods: This hospital-based observational study included 101 AECOPD presentations. RDW was compared across exacerbation-severity groups and according to ventilatory support, mortality, discharge oxygen requirement, and length of stay.

Results: Mean RDW increased progressively from mild to moderate and severe exacerbations (12.91±1.26%, 14.06±1.30%, and 15.34±1.54%, respectively; p<0.001). RDW was significantly higher in patients requiring non-invasive ventilation, mechanical ventilation, and in those who died (all p<0.001). RDW correlated positively with hospital stay (r=0.433, p=0.008) and ICU stay (r=0.412, p=0.011). Its association with oxygen requirement at discharge was not significant.

Conclusion: Elevated RDW was associated with greater AECOPD severity and poorer short-term outcomes.

Keywords:

AECOPD, Red cell distribution width, COPD severity, Mechanical ventilation, Mortality

DOI

https://doi.org/10.37022/wjcmpr.v8i3.461

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