Relation Between Red Blood Cell Distribution Width and Inflammatory Biomarkers in a Large Cohort of Unselected Outpatients

Abstract Context. —A strong independent association has been recently observed between elevated red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and increased incidence of cardiovascular events. Objective. —To assess whether RDW is associated with plasma markers of inflammation since the mechanism(s) underlying this association remain unknown. Design. —We retrospectively analyzed results of RDW, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, ferritin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in a large cohort of unselected adult outpatients who were consecutively referred by general practitioners for routine medical check-up. Results. —Cumulative results of RDW and other factors were…