The distribution indices of erythrocytes: which one for acute ischemic stroke?

Abstract

Abstract Background The erythrocytes distribution indices are reported from same histogram but they have different reference intervals and calculated by distinct measurements. Objectives To explore whether the RDW-CV and RDW-SD values may predictive and prognostic significance in ischemic stroke patients and to clarify the relation each of these indices with stroke severity and 3-months survival. Materials and methods Cumulative survival rates were calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method, and life curves were compared to RDW-CV, RDW-SD quartiles. The risk factors were described with a multivariable cox proportional hazard model. Results In acute ischemic stroke, RDW-CV was more specific and RDW-SD was more sensitive (92% vs. 80%) (52% vs. 48%). RDW-CV values higher than 14.7% are associated with 11-fold increase in the risk of stroke; and the level of RDW-CV does show a linear relationship with the severity of stroke. However, when we evaluated RDW-SD, higher 43.55 fL RDW-SD values was have 16-fold increase in severity of stroke and have a relatively high linear relationship with stroke severity scores to RDW-CV. Conclusions RDW-CV and RDW-SD levels have different prognostic poor outcomes for interpreting in ischemic stroke events approach and these should be used alone and comparatively with the AIS predictive and prognostic approach.