Association Between Variation in Red Cell Size and Multiple Aging-Related Outcomes.

Kim KM, Lui LY, Browner WS, Cauley JA, Ensrud KE, Kado DM, Orwoll ES, Schousboe JT, Cummings SR. Association Between Variation in Red Cell Size and Multiple Aging-Related Outcomes. The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences. 2021 Jun 14; 76(7):1288-1294.

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: We tested whether greater variation in red blood cell size, measured by red cell distribution width (RDW), may predict aging-related degenerative conditions and therefore, serve as a marker of biological aging. METHODS: Three thousand six hundred and thirty-five community-dwelling older men were enrolled in the prospective Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study. RDW was categorized into 4 groups ( = 13.0%, 13.1%-14.0%, 14.1%-15.0%, and = 15.1%). Functional limitations, frailty, strength, physical performance, and cognitive function were measured at baseline and 7.4 years later. Falls were recorded in the year after baseline; hospitalizations were obtained for 2 years after baseline. Mortality was assessed during a mean of 8.3 years of follow-up. RESULTS: Participants with greater variability in red cell size were weaker, walked more slowly, and had a worse cognitive function. They were more likely to have functional limitations (35.2% in the highest RDW category vs 16.0% in the lowest, p < .001) and frailty (30.3% vs 11.3%, p < .001). Those with greater variability in red cell size were more likely to develop new functional limitations and to become frail. The risk of having 2 or more falls was also greater (highest 19.2% vs lowest 10.3%, p < .001). The risk of hospitalization was higher in those with the highest variability (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.8 [1.3-2.5]) compared with the lowest. Variability in red cell size was related to total and cause-specific mortality. CONCLUSION: Greater variability in red cell size is associated with diverse aging-related outcomes, suggesting that it may have potential value as a marker for biological aging.