Blood eosinophil variability in patients presenting with acute exacerbations of COPD within the past year and its correlation with treatment plan

Abstract

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an acknowledged contributor to universal fatality and morbidity. Using biomarkers to pinpoint its phenotypes is crucial, enabling individualized treatment and enhancing prognosis.ObjectiveStudying the steadiness of blood eosinophi1s in cases who experienced repeated hospital admissions for acute worsening of COPD during a year and its correlation to the treatment plan.MethodsA retrospective cohort study includes 270 COPD male patients with acute exacerbations. The patients were divided into three groups: fluctuating (ranges between ≥ 150 cells/ul and < 150 cells/ul), non-EOS (< 150 cells/ul), and Eosinophil (EOS) (≥ 150 cells/ul).ResultsMost patients were in the fluctuating blood EOS group (53.3%). The median length of hospital stay was longer in the fluctuating group (5 days). There was a significant positive correlation between the number of exacerbations and both EOS count and EOS/WBCs. A higher eosinophilic count was associated with an increased risk of eosinophilic exacerbations. Most patients used steroids (higher in the EOS group, 61.6%).ConclusionBlood eosinophilic count is promising for investigating acute COPD exacerbations. Peripheral blood eosinophilia is a relevant biomarker for directing the management of COPD exacerbations, including steroids.