RDW

 Q: Which of the following for red cell distribution width (RDW) is a better marker of overall mortality? (select one)

A) high RDW 

B) low RDW

Answer: A

The objective of this question is to direct students towards the importance of laboratory science. Each component of complete blood count (CBC) is of paramount importance. Studies have shown that RDW is a good indirect marker of overall mortality and major pathologies such as cardiac disease, stroke, deep venous thrombosis (DVT), renal and hepatic insufficiencies. Most of the labs report a normal RDW range between 11.5 to 14.5 percent. 

Generally, low RDW is rarely seen. It is either normal or elevated.

#laboratory-science

#hematology

References:

1. Lam AP, Gundabolu K, Sridharan A, et al. Multiplicative interaction between mean corpuscular volume and red cell distribution width in predicting mortality of elderly patients with and without anemia. Am J Hematol 2013; 88:E245. 

2. Horne BD, May HT, Muhlestein JB, et al. Exceptional mortality prediction by risk scores from common laboratory tests. Am J Med 2009; 122:550. 

3. Rezende SM, Lijfering WM, Rosendaal FR, Cannegieter SC. Hematologic variables and venous thrombosis: red cell distribution width and blood monocyte count are associated with an increased risk. Haematologica 2014; 99:194. 

4. Afonso L, Zalawadiya SK, Veeranna V, et al. Relationship between red cell distribution width and microalbuminuria: a population-based study of multiethnic representative US adults. Nephron Clin Pract 2011; 119:c277.