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-hour 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 thirty-six-hour, nor the seventh day and 3-month mRS demonstrated significant difference between those with normal and higher RDW values.