Is Red Cell Distribution Width Correlated with Mortality in Geriatric Patients Undergoing Hip Fracture Surgery: A Prospective Observational Study

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Abstract
Introduction: Our study aimed to determine the impact of preoperative red blood cell distribution width on length of intensive care unit and hospital stays, and short- and long-term mortality in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. Materials and Method: This prospective cohort study included 414 patients aged 65 and older who presented with hip fractures between November 2021 and November 2022. Patients’ demographic characteristics, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, Revised Cardiac Risk Index, comorbidities, and preoperative complete blood counts (hemoglobin, red blood cell distribution width, platelet count, etc.) were recorded at the preoperative visit. Length of intensive care unit and hospital stays were documented postoperatively. Patients were followed for one year after surgery in terms of mortality. Results: Patients with high red blood cell distribution width levels (≥14.25%) were older, had more comorbidities, and had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists score and Revised Cardiac Risk Index scores (p<0.001). In the high red blood cell distribution width group, length of hospital stays was longer (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between red blood cell distribution width groups in terms of intensive care unit stay duration and readmissions (p=0.304 and p=0.664, respectively). According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, an red blood cell distribution width of ≥14.25 was found to increase the risk of 30-day mortality by 4.7 times and 1-year mortality by 2.74 times. Conclusion: Red blood cell distribution width is a useful, practical, and cost-effective indicator of short- and long-term mortality in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. Keywords: Aged; Anemia; Hip fracture; Mortality.

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