The red cell distribution width(RDW), which provides a quantitative measure of
heterogeneity of red cells in peripheral blood, has been suggested as a good variable for
diagnosis and evaluation of therapy of iron deficiency anemia(IDA). RDW was determined in 50 normal adults, 37 iron deficiency anemia patients and also serially
checked during iron therapy in IDA group.
The initial mean value of RDW in IDA group was 18.9±2.4, and the peak value of RDW was 28.0 ± 3.8 on 11.5th day after iron therapy started, comparing the peak value
of reticulocyte count was 3.1 ±1.2% on 9.0th day. The maximal response of RDW was not well correlated with severity of anemia. The normalization of RDW below 14.5 was
on 139th day after iron therapy in IDA group without no further bleeding evidence, but
the normalization for reticulocyte count, MCV and Hb were on 28.5, 28.5 and 61.5th day,
respectively. RDW curve In IDA showed abrupt rising but slowly decreasing after the maximal response during iron therapy.
As conclusion, the RDW may be used as an indication of response and/or cessation of iron therapy in patients with uncomplicated iron deficiency anemia.

Keywords: Red cell distribution width(RDW), Iron deficiency anemia, ron therapy,