Back to search
Publication

Study of Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (RDW) as Hematological Inflammatory Marker in Leprosy and Lepra Reactions

Abstract

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is routinely reported in complete blood count and reflects variability in the size of circulating red blood cells. The degree of anisocytosis in a blood sample is known as the red cell distribution width (RDW). RDW has emerged as a prognostic marker in various disorders, including acute or chronic conditions and is positively correlated with inflammatory markers. This study aimed to assess RDW value in leprosy and lepra reaction patients. An observational study was conducted at the tertiary care centre. Details of complete blood count and CRP were collected for 77 newly diagnosed leprosy patients and those on treatment experiencing lepra reaction attending leprosy clinic between July 2018 & December 2019. Seventyseven patients presented with various other dermatological problems, e.g. chronic eczema, prurigo, keloid scars etc., were enrolled for comparisons. A total of 154 patients were enrolled. Mean RDW was lowest in TT leprosy (13.44 ± 1.14) and highest in type 2 lepra reaction (17.68 ± 2.23). RDW was significantly higher in lepra reactions (17.09 ± 2.09) cases (T1R & T2R) compare to leprosy cases without Lepra reaction (X2 = 31.1332 p << 0.001) & comparison group (X2 = 17.47; p << 0.001). Raised RDW was associated with raised CRP (86.67%) in T2R and (30%) in T1R cases. Reactive CRP was statistically significant at p < 0.05 (X2 = 6.2266; p = 0.0125) in lepra reaction cases compare to non-reaction cases. A statistically significant rise of RDW in lepra reaction cases (Type 2 & Type 1 reactions) compared to leprosy cases without lepra reaction and a non-leprosy comparison group was observed which is also associated with raised CRP. RDW along with CRP appear to be potentially useful markers to study the progress of reaction cases in leprosy.

More information

Type
Journal Article
Author
Ambalia DG
Vaishnani J
Desai VA