A single postoperative red cell distribution width measurement predicts short- and long-term mortality in…

Cohort studyWiener medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)· May 2026

A single postoperative red cell distribution width measurement predicts short- and long-term mortality in surgical patients.

Daniel Dankl, Bernhard Wernly, Niklas Rodemund … Andreas Koköfer

Surgical Critical CareCohort studyPrognosisQ3IF 1.1

RDW of 15 or higher linked to over 3-fold higher risk of 30-day death

A single postoperative red cell distribution width measurement predicts short- and long-term mortality in surgical patients.

Daniel Dankl … Andreas Koköfer

Wiener medizinische Wochenschrift (1946) · May 2026 · Q3 in General Medicine

Background

The red cell distribution width (RDW) measures erythrocyte size variability and is linked to increased mortality in various diseases, including cardiovascular, kidney, and liver conditions.

Purpose

This study investigates whether a single postoperative RDW measurement predicts short- and long-term mortality surgical intensive care unit (intensive care unit) patients.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 2312 surgery patients admitted to a surgical intensive care unit over 2 years.

n = 2312 patients

Results

Patients with RDW at or above 15 had over 3 times the death risk within 30 days

HR by subgroup · 95% CI

More results

Of 2312 patients, 1687 (73.0%) had RDW < 15 and 625 (27.0%) had RDW ≥ 15.

The RDW ≥ 15 patients were older (p < 0.001), had higher SAPS3 (p < 0.001), and more comorbidities.

Elevated RDW was independently associated with increased 30-day and 1‑year mortality.

More results

In univariable analysis, each unit increase in RDW was linked to higher 30-day mortality (HR 1.169, 95% CI 1.110-1.230; p < 0.001) and 1‑year mortality (HR 1.153, 95% CI 1.122-1.186; p < 0.001).

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Conclusion · 1 of 2

Postoperative RDW is a reliable and cost-effective marker for predicting short- and long-term mortality in surgical patients.

Conclusion · 2 of 2

An RDW threshold of 15 identifies high-risk patients who may benefit from targeted follow-up, thus potentially improving outcomes. In summary, RDW enhances postoperative risk stratification and management.

A single postoperative red cell distribution width measurement predicts short- and long-term mortality in surgical patients.

A single postoperative red cell distribution width measurement predicts short- and long-term mortality in surgical patients.

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