Table 2 Biivariate analysis .docx

<b>Elevated Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (RDW)</b><b> is associated with increased risk of bacteremia in children hospitalized in Pediatric Intensive Care Units</b> Among 1397 episodes of hospitalizations in the PICU, 165 (11.8%) developed bacteremia. Univariate analysis demonstrated that patients with co-morbid conditions tended to have higher rates of bacteremia. In multivariate regression analysis, variables associated with bacteremia included non Jewish ethnic origin, use of central venous catheters and elevated RDW (&gt;15%) during the 72 hours preceding the bacteremia. Total parenteral nutrition was associated with decreased rates of bacteremia. Elevated RDW was not associated with increased risk for non-bacteremic infections.<br> Elevated RDW during hospitalization in the PICU was independently associated with a significantly increased risk for bacteremia. RDW could be used as a simple and inexpensive tool to assess the risk of bacteremia.