Evaluation of the role of the relationship between red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and monocyte on estimation of mortality in surgical intensive care unit

Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the usability of the relationship between the red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and the monocyte count, complete blood count (CBC) parameters routinely checked in the intensive care units (ICUs), for mortality prediction in the surgical ICU. Material and methods: Five hundred thirty-seven patients who were followed up at the surgical ICU between October 1, 2014 and October 1, 2015 were retrospectively assessed. To ensure that the study involves patients who really needed intensive care, patients who were followed up at the ICU for postoperative monitoring were excluded from the study. Patients with a hemoglobin value <10 g/dL were also excluded from the study so that the RDW would not be affected by anemia. Results: A total of 183 patients were evaluated after the exclusion criteria. The maximum RDW value and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score of the patients who died were higher than those of the living patients. On the other hand, a significant decrease in the monocyte values of the dead patients was detected, and there was a statistical difference between dead and living patients (p<0.01). Conclusion: Checking CBC is a routine in the ICUs. Of the CBC parameters, the RDW and monocyte values have been assessed in the present study as being convenient, easily accessible, and practical method for predicting mortality for surgical intensive care patients.