Kim et al used the admission red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and its change over 72 hours to predict mortality in a patient with septic shock. The RDW can help to identify a patient who may benefit from more aggressive management. The authors are from Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea.
Patient selection: severe sepsis or septic shock
Outcomes: 28 and 90 day mortality
Parameters:
(1) admission RDW in percent
(2) delta RDW between 72 hours after admission and at admission
delta RDW =
= (RDW at 72 hours) – (RDW at admission)
Admission RDW
Delta RDW
28-day Mortality
90-day Mortality
normal
<= 0.2%
2%
2%
above normal
<= 0.2%
7%
13%
normal
> 0.2%
18%
20%
above normal
> 0.2%
32%
46%
Performance:
• The prediction is dependent on the accuracy or precision of the hematology analyzer for RDW.
• A patient with an RDW below normal on admission may not meet the table criteria.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
