Evaluation of red cell distribution width (RDW) as a septic marker in comparison with clinical scores and C-reactive protein

Abstract

The challenges of diagnosing and treating sepsis only seem more difficult as incidence increases, patients become older and sicker, and pathogenic organisms evolve. Early recognition of sepsis is not always straightforward and clinical signs themselves can be misleading especially in patients with several co-morbidities. Evidence supports early diagnosis and intervention in sepsis and the failure to intervene results in significant morbidity and mortality. These complexities have led to the search for a biomarker or set of biomarkers with compelling sensitivity and specificity for effectively identifying the disease, patients at risk for unwanted outcomes, and reliably guiding treatment. Among different molecules that have been suggested as sepsis biomarkers in last years, red cell distribution width (RDW) appears quite promising due to its reported correlation with the septic process. Because c-reactive protein(CRP) became part of the latest sepsis definitions, the aim of the present study was directed towards comparing the diagnostic and prognostic value of red cell distribution width(RDW) for adult patients with sepsis with that of CRP.