Evaluation of Red Cell Distribution Width(RDW) in patients with Acute Stroke

Abstract

Introduction:Stroke is becoming an important cause of premature death and disability in developing countries like India, primarily because of demographic changes and increasing prevalence of the key modifiable risk factors. Red cell Distribution Width is an important hematological parameter which is now being found to associated with increased risk of stroke. Objective:To study the correlation between Red cell Distribution Width(RDW) and occurrence of acute stroke.Materials and Methods:This was an observational cross sectional study conducted at Shyam Shah Medical College Rewa, between April 2019 to June 2020. 150 patients with acute stroke were included in study along with 150 age matched controls. Red cell Distribution Width(RDW) was measured for cases as well as controls. Data were statistically analyzed.Results:Red Cell Distribution width was positively associated with occurrence of stroke, particularly ischemic stroke. It was not significantly associated with occurrence of hemorrhagic stroke.Conclusion:RDW can help in predicting the occurrence of stroke. Thereforeit can work as a tool which can be used to identify individuals at high risk of stroke.