Dissanayake O, et al. - In order to determine the frequency of raised red blood cell distribution width (RDW) among hospitalized HIV-infected adult patients, and potential associations with specific diagnoses, and with the outcome, researchers examined the records of 259 unselected hospitalized HIV-positive adults [188 (73%) were men] admitted to a University-affiliated inner London hospital. Fifty patients (19%) had an elevated RDW; an elevated C-reactive protein was observed in 200 (77%) patients, and low hemoglobin was observed in 77 (30%) patients. Association of an elevated RDW with a wide range of infectious, inflammatory, and malignant conditions was observed that was similar to the observed associations reported in the general non-HIV infected adult population. Furthermore, in patients with well-controlled HIV infection and in receipt of antiretroviral therapy, as well as in those with newly diagnosed and poorly-controlled infection, an elevated RDW was evident. Intensive care unit (ICU) admission was reported for five (10%) of 50 patients with an elevated RDW and death was reported in two (4%). Among 209 patients with a normal RDW, two (0.95%) needed ICU admission and four (1.9%) died.