A CLINICAL STUDY TO FIND OUT THE RED CELL DISTRIBUTION WIDTH (RDW) CORRELATION WITH NEONATAL SEPSIS MORTALITY

Introduction: In developing countries like India neonatal sepsis is a major cause of mortality . Red cell distribution width (RDW) reflect the degree of inflammation and oxidative stress .As RDW is a readily available pramater and recent studies found that it can taken as a marker of mortality in critical patients 1,2,.However, its role in neonates remains unexplored. Hence, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the association of RDW with neonatal sepsis and its role as a predictive marker for outcome in neonatal sepsis.3, 5

Aims And Objectives: To find out the predictive value of RDW in relation to neonatal sepsis.

Materials And Method: Prospective observational study was carried out in a NICU of Saraswathi Institute Of Medical Sciences for a period of 1 year. RDW values of septic neonates are compared with controls .A total of 50 septic neonates and 50 controls were enrolled of same gestational age and weight.RDW values are arranged as above 50th percentile and below 50th percentile. The outcomes of two groups are assessed in relation with RDW.

Result And Conclusion: RDW levels were higher among septic neonates as compared to controls with p value of <.001.High RDW is associated with neonatal sepsis and it can take as a marker for mortality associated with neonatal sepsis.