ROLE OF RED CELL DISTRIBUTION WIDTH AS A PREDICTOR OF DISEASE SEVERITY AMONG HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTH INDIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a routinely reported hematological parameter that reflects variability in erythrocyte size. Recent studies have suggested its potential role as a prognostic marker in various clinical conditions. Given its widespread availability and low cost, RDW may serve  as a useful indicator of disease severity among hospitalized patients.