The red cell distribution width to platelet ratio predicts 30-day mortality of acute pulmonary embolism patients

Abstract

Objective: To specify the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, risk factors, factors affecting mortality including hematologic parameters, and red blood cell distribution width to platelet ratio (RPR) in patients with pulmonary thromboembolism, and to reduce the mortality. Methods: The archive records of patients diagnosed with pulmonary embolism were retrospectively examined. The histories, risk factors, physical examination findings, arterial blood gas analysis, X-rays, laboratory, and computed tomography reports of all cases were obtained via the hospital information system. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent variables affecting early mortality. Results: A total of 146 patients with a definitive diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism were included. Thirteen point seven percent (n=20) of the deceased patients died at early term. Ninety percent of patients with early mortality was 65 years or older. There were significantly differences in age, RPR, D-dimer, creatinine, lymphocyte, pH, and body temperature between patients with and without early mortality (P=0.017, P<0.001, P=0.019, P=0.025, P=0.042, P=0.013, P=0.017, respectively). Logistic regression analysis showed that RPR was a statistically significant and independent risk factors of mortality [P=0.026, OR: 0.254., 95% CI (0.326-5.056)]. In addition, there was a significant difference in pulmonary embolism severity index classification between patients with and without early mortality(P<0.034). Conclusions: RPR is an independent risk factor of mortality of pulmonary embolism patients and may help emergency physician to stratify mortality risks of pulmonary embolism patients.