Red cell distribution width as a predictor of outcome in hospitalized cirrhotic patients.

Background: A systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is linked to red cell distribution width (RCDW), which produces pro-inflammatory signals that act directly on hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. This stimulation may cause alterations in the membrane of red blood cells (RBCs), as assessed by RCDW, which have been linked to increased morbidity and death in a number of systemic disorders.

Aim: This study aims to evaluate RCDW as a predictor of outcome in hospitalized cirrhotic patients.