The predictive value of red cell distribution width for stroke severity and outcome

Abstract Objectives In the present study, we sought to investigate the association between red cell distribution width (RDW) and stroke severity and outcome in patients who underwent anti-thrombolytic therapy with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Results In this prospective study, 282 stroke patients who underwent tPA injection were included. The categorization of RDW to 13% values revealed insignificant difference in stroke severity score, accounting for the mean 36-h NIHSS of 8.19 ± 8.2 in normal RDW values and 9.94 ± 8.28in higher RDW group (p = 0.64). In seventh day, NIHSS was 6.46 ± 7.28 in normal RDW group and was 8.52 ± 8.35 in increased RDW group (p = 0.058). Neither the 36-h, nor the seventh day and 3-month mRS demonstrated significant difference between those with normal and higher RDW values.