Increased red cell distribution width is associated with poor stem cell mobilization in patients with advanced chronic heart failure.

Parameters associated with poor CD34(+) stem cell mobilization in advanced chronic heart failure (CHF) patients were investigated. Forty-four CHF patients underwent bone marrow stimulation with granulocyte colony stimulating factor. Poor cell mobilization presents in 32% of patients. Poor and good mobilizers did not differ significantly regarding age, gender, left ventricular ejection fraction, kidney or liver function and exercise capacity. Significant differences were found regarding NT-proBNP levels and red cell distribution width (RDW). Increased RDW was the only independent predictor of poor CD34(+) stem cell mobilization on multivariable analysis and may serve as a biomarker of poor stem cell mobilization in CHF patients.