@article{article_1705588, title={Evaluation of the relationship between the RDW/albumin ratio and coronary artery ectasia}, journal={Journal of Medicine and Palliative Care}, volume={6}, pages={284–288}, year={2025}, DOI={10.47582/jompac.1705588}, author={Memioğlu, Tolga}, keywords={Koroner arter ektazisi, RDW/albümin oranı, inflamasyon, biyobelirteç, hematolojik parametreler}, abstract={Aims: Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is a vascular abnormality associated with inflammation and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The red blood cell distribution width-to-albumin ratio (RAR) has emerged as a novel biomarker reflecting systemic inflammation and nutritional status. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between RAR and the presence of CAE. Methods: In this retrospective study, 80 patients diagnosed with CAE via coronary angiography and 80 age-and sex-matched healthy controls were included. Laboratory parameters, including RDW, serum albumin, and RAR, were analyzed. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for group comparisons, and significance was set at p <0.05. Patients with active infection, severe organ failure, or malignancy were excluded. Results: Demographic and clinical variables were similar between groups (p>0.05). Median (IQR) serum albumin levels were significantly lower in the CAE group compared to controls [41.0 (39.0–43.9) g/L vs. 43.9 (42.0–45.7) g/L; p <0.001]. Although RDW alone did not differ significantly between groups (p=0.448), the RAR was significantly higher in CAE patients [0.375 (0.338–0.410)] than in controls [0.355 (0.330–0.390)] (p=0.036). Additional findings included reduced lymphocyte and platelet counts and elevated monocyte counts and mean platelet volume (MPV) in the patient group, indicating a pro-inflammatory state. Conclusion: The RDW/albumin ratio was significantly elevated in patients with CAE, suggesting that it may serve as a simple, inexpensive, and effective inflammatory biomarker in this population. While RDW and albumin are routinely available in clinical practice, their combined interpretation via RAR may provide additional insight into the inflammatory status of patients with CAE. Further prospective, large-scale studies are warranted to confirm these findings and clarify the prognostic value of RAR in CAE.}, number={3}, publisher={MediHealth Academy Yayıncılık}