Elevated red cell distribution width is associated with delayed postoperative recovery after correction of Tetralogy of Fallot.

Objective: To study the impact of red cell distribution width (RDW) on postoperative recovery after correction of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF).

Background: Increased RDW indicates dysregulated erythropoiesis and predicts survival in critical illnesses that include idiopathic pulmonary artery hypertension and chronic heart failure. Myocardial injury and oxidative stress induced by cardiopulmonary bypass potentially contribute to prolonged recovery in post TOF repair patients.