Alcaíno Hernán, Pozo José, Pavez Mario, Toledo Humberto
Rev Med Chil. 2016 May;144(5):634-42. doi: 10.4067/S0034-98872016000500012.
Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a measurement of the variation in size, as well as an index of heterogeneity of erythrocytes, which is used in combination with other hematologic parameters as an aid to the differential diagnosis of hypochromic anemia. RDW could also serve as a biomarker in the diagnosis and prognosis patients with cardiovascular diseases. However, it is unclear whether the increased heterogeneity is the cause or consequence of other pathophysiological conditions such as renal failure, malnutrition, inflammation and oxidative stress, which among other conditions are actively involved in the genesis and progression of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this review is to show and discuss recent evidence about the role of RDW measurement as an aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with such diseases. Besides being a simple, inexpensive and routinely measured parameter, it could help in the stratification of patients according to their risk in clinical practice.
红细胞分布宽度（RDW）是对红细胞大小变化的一种测量，也是红细胞异质性的一个指标，它与其他血液学参数结合使用，以辅助诊断低色素性贫血。RDW也可作为诊断和预测心血管疾病患者的生物标志物。然而，尚不清楚异质性增加是肾衰竭、营养不良、炎症和氧化应激等其他病理生理状况的原因还是结果，这些状况在心血管疾病的发生和发展中都起着积极作用。本综述的目的是展示和讨论关于RDW测量在这些疾病患者的诊断和预后中辅助作用的最新证据。除了是一个简单、廉价且常规测量的参数外，它还可以在临床实践中根据患者的风险对其进行分层。
