What does high RDW in anemia blood routine mean

A high RDW in anemia blood routine usually indicates uneven red blood cell size, which may be caused by diseases such as iron deficiency anemia, megaloblastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, etc. RDW is the abbreviation for the width of red blood cell distribution, reflecting the heterogeneity of red blood cell volume. Iron deficiency anemia is a common cause of elevated RDW. Insufficient iron can affect hemoglobin synthesis, leading to increased differences in red blood cell volume. Patients may experience symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and pale complexion. Diagnosis can be confirmed through serum ferritin testing. Treatment requires supplementation with iron supplements such as ferrous succinate tablets, polysaccharide iron complex capsules, and dextran iron oral solution, while increasing intake of iron rich foods such as animal liver and lean meat.

Megaloblastic anemia can also cause an increase in RDW. Folic acid or vitamin B12 deficiency leads to impaired DNA synthesis in red blood cells, resulting in oversized megaloblastic red blood cells. The patient may experience neurological symptoms such as glossitis and numbness in the hands and feet. Treatment requires supplementation of folic acid tablets, vitamin B12 injection, etc. Daily consumption of foods rich in folic acid, such as green leafy vegetables and eggs, is recommended. In hemolytic anemia, the destruction of red blood cells accelerates, and compensatory proliferation of the bone marrow leads to the coexistence of new and aging red blood cells, resulting in an increase in RDW. The patient may exhibit symptoms such as jaundice and soy sauce colored urine. Corticosteroids such as acetate prednisolone tablets and immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine soft capsules should be selected for treatment based on the specific cause. In severe cases, blood transfusion is required. Some chronic diseases such as chronic kidney disease and liver disease may also lead to mild elevation of RDW. These patients usually have typical symptoms of the primary disease and require targeted treatment for the primary disease. Hematological disorders such as myelodysplastic syndrome can cause a significant increase in RDW and require bone marrow biopsy for a definitive diagnosis. When RDW is found to be high, other blood routine indicators such as MCV and MCH should be combined to make a comprehensive judgment, and iron metabolism, folate and vitamin B12 levels, and hemolysis related tests should be improved to clarify the cause. Pay attention to a balanced diet in daily life and avoid picky eating. Anemic patients can increase their intake of foods rich in hematopoietic raw materials such as red meat and animal blood products in moderation, but they need to receive targeted treatment under the guidance of a doctor and should not take blood supplements on their own.