Early emergency department risk signals in upper gastrointestinal bleeding: The hemoglobin-to-red cell distribution width ratio

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common emergency associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Early risk assessment is important, but some established scores require laboratory or endoscopic data not immediately available. We evaluated whether the hemoglobin (Hb)-to-red cell distribution width ratio (Hb/RDW) at emergency department presentation was associated with intensive care unit admission or mortality during the index episode.