Evaluation of red cell distribution width levels during acute exacerbation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Aims: We aimed to observe the correlation between Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) and acute attack of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Methods: Patients at acute attack of COPD included to the study as study group. Control group is included subjects with stable COPD. Hemogram parameters obtained from database of the institution and analysed. Results: 42 patients at acute attack of COPD and 39 subjects in stable period of COPD have been included to the study. RDW was significantly increased in patients with acute attack compared to stable COPD subjects (p<0,001). Conclusion: As RDW is a simple and inexpensive inflammatory marker, increased RDW may be useful in early diagnosis of acute flares of COPD patients.