Effect of red blood cell distribution width on the mortality f Patients with ischemic stroke

Abstract EN

Objective : To investigate a possible correlation between elevated levels of red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and the mortality of ischemic stroke.

Patients and methods : Seventy patients admitted to Merjan Medical City in Babylon; suffering from ischemic stroke were enrolled in this study which lasted from February to June 2014.

The study contain 40 males and 30 females, their ages ranged from 36-97 years with a mean age of 69.26 ± 14.870 years.

The patients were divided into two groups : those who survive the disease and those who died ; in order to assess the impact of RDW values on the severity and mortality of the disease.

Blood samples were taken from the patients to estimate RDW.

Results : The study results showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups of patients regarding the values of RDW and the age distribution, on the other hand, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups of patients regarding sex distribution and history of diabetes, hypertension and previous stroke attack.

Conclusion : Red blood cell distribution width is an independent predictor of mortality in patients with ischemic stroke.

Higher RDW values correspond to higher mortality.