Correlation between red cell distribution width and illness severity in elderly patients with sepsis

  Objective  To investigate the correlation between plasma red cell distribution width (RDW) and illness severity in elderly patients with sepsis.

  Methods  A total of 129 elderly patients with sepsis were divided into different groups according to whether they had shock or not and the prognosis within seven days after admission. According to whether there was shock or not, the patients were divided into non-shock group (n=102) and shock group (n=27). According to the prognosis within seven days after admission, the patients were divided into survival group (n=93) and death group (n=36). RDW, blood lactic acid, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) Ⅱ scores were compared between the non-shock group and the shock group. The above indexes were compared between the survival group and the death group. RDW and blood lactic acid, SOFA as well as APACHE Ⅱ scores were analyzed by correlation regression.

  Results  RDW, blood lactic acid, SOFA and APACHE Ⅱ scores showed significant differences between the the non-shock group and the shock group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). RDW, blood lactic acid, PCT, SOFA and APACHE Ⅱ scores showed significant differences between the survival group and the death group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). RDW was positively correlated with PCT, SOFA and APACHE Ⅱscores.

  Conclusion  RDW in elderly patients with sepsis is correlated with the severity of the disease, which has important clinical significance.