Is RDW a clinically relevant prognostic factor for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable plasma cell malignancy. Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a prognostic marker in various diseases, solid tumors, and hematologic neoplasms, but its prognostic significance in MM is controversial. In this study, we aimed to assess the relationship between RDW and the clinical prognosis of MM patients through a meta-analysis. Methods Relevant literature were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases according to PRISMA guideline. All relevant parameters were extracted and combined for statistical analysis. The effect size was presented as hazard ratio (HR)/odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). HR/OR > 1 in MM patients with high RDW suggested a worse prognosis. Heterogeneity test evaluation was performed using Cochran's Q test and I2 statistics. A P heterogeneity < 0.10 or I 2 > 50% suggested significant heterogeneity. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata 12.0 software. Results 8 articles involving 9 studies with 1165 patients were included in our meta-analysis. Our results suggested that elevated RDW is significantly associated with poor prognosis in MM (OS: HR = 1.91, 95%CI: 1.48–2.46; PFS: HR = 2.87, 95% CI: 2.02–4.07). A significant correlation was not found between RDW and International Staging System (ISS) staging (ISS III VS ISS I-II: OR:1.53; 95%CI:0.97–2.42). Conclusion Our results suggested that RDW is a robust predictor of newly diagnosed MM outcomes.