Red Cell Distribution Width as a Predictor of Outcome in Cyanotic Congenital Cardiac Surgery

Abstract

Background: Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a vital marker associated with various clinical states. In the present study, we aimed to determine the associations between RDW changes and adverse effects caused by pediatric cardiac surgery. Materials and Methods: In the present research, we retrospectively analyzed 100 pediatric patients enrolled in this study who were candidates for cardiac surgery. RDW was determined pre-and postoperatively and at the time of discharge from the hospital. Intubation time, duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay and hospital stay, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time, aortic cross-clamp (ACC) time, vasoactive inotropic score (VIS), and mortality rate were determined as well. Results: Intubation time, duration of hospital stay, CPB time, ACC time, VIS, and mortality rate were significantly higher in the patients with higher RDW rates. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that RDW could be used as an essential indicator in predicting both morbidity and mortality caused by pediatric congenital heart surgery.