Notably, they exhibited significantly lower levels of platelet count, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, glucose, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, the presence of encephalitis and higher levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, monocyte, lymphocyte, aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin total, creatinine, urea, potassium, chloride, procalcitonin, interleukin-6, and hospital length of stay compared to individuals in the lowest RDW quartile (all P < 0.05). The gene discussed is ALB; the disease is viral encephalitis.