Clinical analysis of acute exacerbation of COPD cases with increased eosinophilic granulocytes in peripheral blood

Abstract

<b>Objective:</b> To explore the mutual relationships between Fractional exhaled nitric oxide(FeNO) of expiratory air and eosinophilic granulocytes(EOS) in peripheral blood thus evaluating risks of acute exacerbation of COPD(AECOPD) cases with increased EOS in peripheral blood in the following 6 months after admittance. <b>Methods:</b> Three-hundred cases of AECOPD cases admitted at department of respiratory medicine of the second hospital affiliated to Jilin University were included into this study. All cases were classified into 2 groups based upon percentage of EOS in peripheral blood examined on admittance as Group A (Baseline-Eos≥2%) and Group B (Baseline-Eos&lt;2%). FeNO and related examinations were performed in all cases from 2 groups for corresponding treatments. Clinical characteristics and frequency of acute exacerbation were compared between 2 groups during follow-up ranging from 1 to 6 months after departure of recovery. <b>Results:</b> 35.3% AECOPD cases (106/300) were confirmed as Baseline-Eos≥2%. Statistical correlation between FeNO level and EOS percentage in peripheral blood was confirmed (p&lt;0.05) with correspondence ratio of 0.2966 and 0.3305 respectively. Statistical difference of FeNO was not confirmed between 2 groups (p&lt;0.05). Statistical difference of acute exacerbation frequency during follow-up ranging from 1 to 6 months was not confirmed between 2 groups (p&gt;0.05). <b>Conclusion:</b> Positive correlation was confirmed between EOS percentage in peripheral blood and FeNO. Elevation of EOS in peripheral blood during AECOPD period is not reliable for estimating frequencies and risks of acute exacerbation during follow-up ranging from 1 to 6 months after departure of recovery.