Abnormal red blood cell indices increase the risk of arterial ischemic stroke in children

A high red cell distribution width (RDW) and low hemoglobin level increase the risk of arterial ischemic stroke (AIS), mostly in adults. The mechanisms related to AIS remain unknown. A total of 233 subjects (90 patients and 143 healthy controls [HC]) were enrolled. The mean(SD) age in patients and HC was 9.5(3.8) and 11.4(1.8) years, respectively. We found increased odds ratios (ORs) for large vessel and small vessel subtypes in patients without underlying diseases with a mean corpuscular volume (MCV) <80 fL (OR: 5.4, 95%CI 1.8–16.3 and 2.8, 95%CI 1.2–7.2), mean corpuscular hemoglobin levels <27 pg (OR: 2.9, 95%CI 1.0–6.7 and 2.6, 95%CI 1.0–6.7), and RDW >15% (OR: 5.5, 95%CI 1.3–24.5 and 2.7, 95%CI 1.0–7.3). RBC indices showed significant correlations with TM levels. Therefore, low MCV and MCH levels, and a high RDW were risk factors for AIS and associated with TM levels in this population.