Mean platelet volume change (∆MPV) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) as promising markers of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) outcome

BACKGROUND: Prognostic markers play an essential role in the proper management of community-acquired pneumonia. This research work aimed to evaluate the association of RDW and /or MPV with mortality and morbidity in patients with CAP to improve the yield of already used prognostic scores. RESULTS: The current study enrolled 153 patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Out of them, 101 (64%) patients improved while 52 (36%) died. It was noticed that each of delta MPV and RDW (P < 0.001) had positive significant correlation with PSI and CURB-65. Delta MPV and RDW was significantly higher in patients who died (2.61 ± 1.01 vs. 1.78 ± 0.76; P = 0.01 for delta MPV and 16.50 ± 3.54 vs. 15.50 ± 2.81; P = 0.02 for RDW). CONCLUSION: Initial RDW and rising MPV during hospitalization for CAP is associated with more severe clinical characteristics and high mortality. Moreover, the use of RDW and delta MPV in patients admitted with CAP can improve the performance of prognostic scales.