The Prognostic Value of Red Cell Distribution Width-to-Albumin Ratio for 28-Day Mortality in Sepsis Patients: A Multicenter Analysis Based on the eICU Collaborative Research Database - Report - MDSpire

The Prognostic Value of Red Cell Distribution Width-to-Albumin Ratio for 28-Day Mortality in Sepsis Patients: A Multicenter Analysis Based on the eICU Collaborative Research Database

  • By

  • Ye, Mao

  • Lv, Suqi

  • Li, Yuewei

  • Huang, He

  • Lv, Dingchao

  • Wang, Xiaolan

  • May 8, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Evaluating the Red Cell Distribution Width-to-Albumin Ratio as a Prognostic Indicator for 28-Day Mortality in Patients with Sepsis

Overview

This study investigates the relationship between the red blood cell distribution width-to-albumin ratio (RAR) and 28-day mortality in sepsis patients. Findings indicate that elevated RAR levels are independently associated with increased mortality risk.

Background

Sepsis is a leading cause of mortality in intensive care units globally, necessitating effective prognostic tools for risk assessment. The RAR combines insights into inflammation and nutritional status, making it a potentially valuable indicator for critically ill patients. Understanding its prognostic significance could enhance clinical decision-making in sepsis management.

Data Highlights

RAR Group28-Day Mortality RateP-Value
High RAR (≥5.9)23.0%<0.001
Low RAR (<5.9)9.9%<0.001

Key Findings

  • The study included 13,888 adult patients with sepsis.
  • High RAR was associated with a 28-day mortality rate of 23.0% compared to 9.9% in the low-RAR group (P<0.001).
  • Each unit increase in RAR correlated with an 8% higher risk of mortality (HR 1.08, 95% CI 1.07–1.10, P<0.001).
  • Subgroup analyses confirmed the association across various demographics including age and sex.
  • A non-linear dose-response relationship was observed, indicating progressively higher mortality risk with increased RAR levels.

Clinical Implications

The RAR may serve as a practical tool for risk stratification in sepsis patients, aiding clinicians in identifying those at higher risk of mortality. Further validation in diverse clinical settings is necessary to establish its utility in routine practice.

Conclusion

Elevated RAR levels at admission are significantly linked to increased 28-day mortality in sepsis patients, suggesting its potential role as a prognostic indicator.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- Hematologic and metabolic indices for predicting 28-day mortality in sepsis patients: a retrospective intensive care cohort study
  2. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- LDAR Outperforms Other Albumin-Derived Indices in Predicting 28-Day ICU Mortality in Critically Ill Myocardial Infarction Patients: A Two-Cohort Study
  3. Infection, 2022 -- Evaluating the Diagnostic Accuracy of Monocyte Distribution Width (MDW) for Identifying Infection and Sepsis in Emergency Department Patients on a Sepsis Pathway
  4. Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International Guidelines for Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock 2026 | SCCM
  5. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine — Association of a dual-index phenotype and early ICU reassessment with 28-day in-hospital mortality in cardiogenic shock: a single-center observational cohort study
  6. About Sepsis | Sepsis | CDC
  7. Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International Guidelines for Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock 2026 | SCCM
  8. Predictive value of SOFA, PCT, Lactate, qSOFA and their combinations for mortality in patients with sepsis: A systematic review and meta-analysis - PMC
  9. Association between red cell distribution width to albumin ratio and short-term mortality in patients with septic myocardial injury: a multicenter analysis | Scientific Reports

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