The importance of the erythrocyte distribution width/albumin ratio in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation

Objectives: To investigate the relationship of the erythrocyte distribution width (RDW)/albumin ratio on hospital length of stay (LOS) and prognosis in patients hospitalized with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation.

Methods: Patients hospitalized in our clinic for COPD exacerbation were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gas, history of hospitalization due to exacerbation in the last year, LOS, C-reactive protein, RDW, albumin, platelet counts, and 30-day mortality status were recorded. Significant cut-off RDW/albumin ratio values that could predict hospitalization for 10 days or more were analyzed.

Results: A total of 58 patients were included in our study. With a significant cut-off value of ≥5.22 for the RDW/albumin ratio to predict a duration of hospitalization of more than 10 days, a sensitivity of 68.42% and specificity of 74.36% were obtained. No significant association was found between the RDW/albumin ratio and 30-day mortality (p=0.14). The RDW/albumin ratio (p=0.005) and mortality (p<0.001) were found to be higher in patients with an LOS of 10 days or more. The RDW/albumin ratio and mortality, which were statistically significant in patients hospitalized for 10 days or more, were analyzed using logistic regression, and no significant results were found.

Conclusion: In further analysis results of patients hospitalized due to COPD exacerbation, there was no significant relationship between length of hospital stay, mortality, and the RDW/albumin ratio.