The diagnostic and prognostic value of red cell distribution width (RDW) in cerebral venous thrombosis

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of red cell distribution width (RDW)which is an easily accesible parameter obtained from complete blood count in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) in a single tertiary center. METHODS: Medical records of 69 patients with cerebral venous thrombosis who were followed in our clinic were reviewed. Demographic characteristics, biochemical parameters, hemogram parameters, localization of the affected venous structures, admission NIHSS scores and mRS scores at discharge were recorded. Demographic characteristics and hemogram values of 60 age-sex matched healthy adults were also recorded. RESULTS: RDW was demonstrated to be significantly higher in patient group(14.58+- 2.33) when compared to controls(12.99+- 0.76) (p<0.001*). Besides, mean hemoglobin and hematocrit values of patients were found to be lower than controls (p<0.05). In ROC curve analysis, an RDW value of >13.11% was found to have a sensitivity of 73.9% and specificity of 61.7% for diagnosis of CVT (AUC: 0.746 95% CI: 0.662-0.829, p<0.001). RDW demonstrated a significant positive correlation with mRS scores whilst no correlation was detected regarding NIHSS scores. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates an independent association between RDW and presence of CVT. RDW is a simple and easily accessible marker obtained from routine hemogram examinations and our results support its use for diagnostic, as well as prognostic purposes in CVT patients.