The prognostic value of red blood cell distribution width for mortality in intracranial hemorrhage: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Some studies have reported conflicting results regarding the prognostic value of red blood cell distribution width (RDW) for patients with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). This meta-analysis aims to investigate the association between RDW and all-cause mortality in ICH.Methods:We systematically searched the following databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and Web of Science, for all studies assessing the prognostic value of mortality in patients with ICH from inception to December 2023. We calculated pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Results:A total of 7 studies evaluated the association of RDW and all-cause mortality. A higher RDW levels were significantly associated with all-cause mortality (OR = 1.52; 95% CI = 1.22 to 1.89; P = .0002; I2 = 76%).Conclusion:Therefore, RDW is a valuable prognostic marker for the risk of all-cause mortality in patients with intracranial hemorrhage.