The qSOFA score combined with the initial red cell distribution width as a useful predictor of 30 day mortality among older adults with infection in an emergency department

Purpose This study aimed to investigate whether the qSOFA and initial red cell distribution width (RDW) in the emergency department (ED) are associated with mortality in older adults with infections who visited the ED. Methods This was a retrospective study conducted in 5 EDs between November 2016 and February 2017. We recorded age, sex, comorbidities, body temperature, clinical findings, and initial laboratory results, including the RDW. The initial RDW values and the qSOFA criteria were obtained at the time of the ED visit. The primary outcome was 30 day mortality. Results A total of 1,446 patients were finally included in this study, of which 134 (9.3%) died within 30 days and the median (IQR) age was 77 (72, 82) years. In the multivariable analysis, the RDW (14.0–15.4%) and highest RDW (> 15.4%) quartile were shown to be independent risk factors for 30 day mortality (OR 2.12; 95% CI 1.12–4.02; p = 0.021) (OR 3.35; 95% CI 1.83–6.13; p