Keywords
How to Cite
Abstract
Background: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by a dysregulated host immune response to infection, leading to high global mortality. Early risk stratification remains essential, particularly in resource-limited settings where advanced biomarkers are often unavailable, highlighting the need for simple and cost-effective prognostic tools. This study evaluates the Red Cell Distribution Width-to-Albumin Ratio (RAR) as an easily accessible biomarker for predicting in-hospital mortality in patients with sepsis.
Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study enrolled adult patients with sepsis admitted to FGPC Hospital Islamabad to evaluate the association of Red Cell Distribution Width-to-Albumin Ratio (RAR) with disease severity and in-hospital mortality. RAR was calculated from baseline laboratory parameters obtained within 24 hours of admission. Statistical analyses were performed to assess its relationship with clinical severity scores and its predictive value for in-hospital mortality using multivariable logistic regression.
Results: A total of 200 adult patients with sepsis were included in the study, with in-hospital mortality of 29.0%. Respiratory tract infection was the most common source of sepsis, and non-survivors demonstrated significantly higher SOFA scores along with elevated RDW and reduced serum albumin levels compared to survivors. The mean Red Cell Distribution Width-to-Albumin Ratio (RAR) was significantly higher in non-survivors (7.04 ± 1.31 vs 4.56 ± 0.92, p<0.001), and on multivariable analysis, higher RAR remained an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality along with SOFA score and age.
Conclusion: Elevated Red Cell Distribution Width-to-Albumin Ratio (RAR) is independently associated with increased in-hospital mortality in sepsis. RAR may serve as a simple, cost-effective biomarker for early risk stratification and improved prognostication in septic patients