Red blood cell distribution width and coronary artery disease severity in diabetic patients
Aim: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the relationship between red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and coronary calcium score in diabetic patients. Methods: Hematological parameters of 100 diabetic (Type II) patients were assessed. Computed tomographic angiography was used to asses coronary artery calcium (CAC) score. Results: Mean age of the study cohort was 55 years (males: 60%). Mean RDW was 12.7%. Mean CAC score was 243. There was a significant correlation between RDW and each of: CAC scores (r = 0.53; p < 0.001) and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD; r = 0.25; p = 0.047). A cut-off value >14.2% (receiver operating characteristic curves) predicted CAC score >400. A cut-off value >-14.6% predicted the presence of significant CAD. Conclusion: Diabetic patients with high-CAC scores and significant CAD had higher RDW.