Investigation of the clinical significance of RDW in sepsis

Objective Our study focused on the clinical relevance of red blood cell distribution width (RDW) in sepsis. Methods This retrospective analysis involved 57 sepsis patients from the University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (observation group) between February 2021 and November 2024, and 46 healthy controls who were examined during the same period. We compared the levels of RDW and other relevant biomarkers between the two groups, analyzed the correlation between RDW and PCT, CRP, and WBC, and evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic utility of RDW in sepsis. Results RDW, PCT, and WBC levels were distinctly higher in the observation group relative to the controls ( P  < 0.05). RDW was positively correlated with PCT (r = 0.255, P  < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the area under the curve for RDW was 0.870, with a sensitivity of 78%, specificity of 87%, and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.784–0.956. The optimal cut-off value for RDW was 13.35. Logistic regression analysis indicated that an elevated RDW level was linked to higher risk of sepsis (odds ratio = 4.458, 95% CI 2.331–8.524, P  < 0.001). Conclusion RDW may serve as a valuable indicator for diagnosing sepsis, with high predictive value for its occurrence.